Partnering for Childrens' Health

Background: Americans recognize the need to make children and children's health a priority. Schools, health departments and health care systems are struggling to meet growing needs while coping with diminishing resources. With growing enrollment in nursing programs, colleges of nursing face challenges in creating quality pediatric clinical experiences. The purpose of America's Promise School Project, aligned with the Five Promises of America's Promise Alliance, is to partner with school districts to provide rich clinical learning sites for undergraduate and graduate nursing students; pilot innovative evidence-based health promotion strategies to promote children's wellness; provide children with nursing role models; and support children living with chronic health conditions. Description: This project is designed to develop sustainable, mutually beneficial relationships between public schools, the college of nursing, and the community. An example of project work is the development of a unique pediatric/public health clinical practicum where undergraduates learn about child development, chronic disease, effective strategies to leverage health regulation compliance, and creative health education for children and adults. Student learning and interventions address priority health problems including oral health and obesity prevention. Project staff work with school nurses to leverage their strategic value and to create awareness of the outcomes of nurses' work. Lessons Learned: America's Promise promotes collaboration between nursing education and school nurses with the potential for improving health outcomes in school-age children. Early responses to the collaboration are positive, and plans for evaluating the program are underway.