School Nurses and the Dissemination of Public Health Messages

According to the Community Ready! program, parents, and those from vulnerable populations in particular, prefer health messages provided through school venues; this includes the school nurse (SN). This study addresses SNs place of employment (POE) and whether POE has an effect on SNs delivery of health preparedness messages. An online search was performed, and the following organizations were contacted; the Virginia/Local Departments of Health (V/LDH), the Virginia National Association of School Nurses( VASN), and the National Association of County and Health Officials (NACCHO). It has been determined that all SNs, regardless of place of employment, are required to adhere to the School Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice. SNs place of employment may vary by county and all are required to have a nursing license. The school board requires SNs to have at least an LPN; attained after a one year training program, a licensing examination, and at least high school diploma. SNs employed by the LDH must have an RN; also attained through a licensing examination, a diploma from an approved nursing program, and at least an associates degree. Comparisons between RNs and LPNs in a smoking cessation program indicated that treatment by LPNs resulted in assessment and assistance in the patients quitting process becoming significantly less likely(OR=0.52 p<=5). According to the School Health Specialist at the VDH, LPN's cannot write care plans, and they may not carry out training sessions. These functions must be performed by an RN. In Virginia, SNs employed by the LHDs are obligated to attend Project Public Health Ready(PPHR- sponsored by NACCHO). A PPHR evaluation showed SNs as more prepared and as having a greater understanding of the meaning of public health preparedness after attendance. This study would suggest that LHD employed nurses are better positioned to receive and disseminate health information.