School Nursing Research Priorities

The National Association of School Nurses conducted an analysis of the state of the science in school nursing and identified Research Priorities for the next 5 years. Currently, research conducted in the subspecialty often does not address the gaps in empirical knowledge nor the most pressing needs for the subspecialty. Currently, research is needed to disseminate clinical guidelines for evidence based interventions in the school setting and to provide data and information needed by health policy decision makers and legislators. It is imperative that the investment of limited time, effort and funding spent is spent on empirical investigation that enhances practice and builds a foundation for future study. The four major areas to be addressed to facilitate research in school nursing are: the dearth of descriptive school health services data, analysis of school health services delivery models, identification of critical sensitive nursing indicators in school health services, and dissemination and translation of evidence based practice. This session will review the process for identifying the priorities and describe the strategic plan for meeting the priorities.