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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Nancy Walsh Mosca, PhD, RN, College of Health & Human Services, Nursing, Youngstown State University, One University Plaza, Cushwa Hall, Youngstown, OH 44555, 330-941-1793, nwmosca@ysu.edu and John M. Hazy, PhD, College of Health & Human Services, Criminal Justice, Youngstown State University, One University Plaza, Cushwa Hall, Youngstown, OH 44555.

School nurse work environments (referred to as the ‘school clinic', ‘nurse's office', ‘health room', and ‘health office') are an essential component of a school's physical plant, yet are often an overlooked component of the building's design and utility. With recent availability of federal and state funding streams to build new school buildings across the country, many communities are in planning stages to design and construct state-of-the-art school buildings for the new century. This presentation describes current physical work environments, offering recommendations for state-of-the-art facilities. From a randomized national sample of 1200 school nurses, members of National Association of School Nursing, 576 surveys were returned. Analysis of 240 variables describes existing state of school clinic facilities, including physical space, equipment availability, and supply inventory for schools across the country. Comparisons to a national consensus group's report of recommended minimal emergency equipment and resources for schools found wide range of their availability from 12% (oxygen) to 97 % (bandages). With recent emphasis on disaster preparedness 67% school nurses report being involved in planning or assembling disaster/ emergency supplies, yet only 39% report disaster preparedness planning has changed what equipment or supplies they have available in the health clinic. Disaster “to go” kits were reported to be in 74% of schools. Differences when school nursing services are state mandated and when they are not, as well as how new school construction has improved health service facilities in schools will be noted.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe characteristics of school nurse work environments, including physical space, supplies and equipment availability.
• Discuss trends in school nurse work environments related to geographic location, mandated school nursing services, and disaster preparedness.

Keywords: School Health, Nurses

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation