Partnering with communities in practice and research through a school nurse research network – the Massachusetts school nurse research network

Background: The Massachusetts School Nurse Research Network (MASNRN) was established in 2004 as a joint venture of the Boston College Connell School of Nursing, the Massachusetts School Nurse Organization, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), School Health Unit. The three organizations recognized the need to integrate current research into school nursing practice to (a) meet the profession's obligation for accountability, (b) build a knowledge base specific to this subspecialty area of nursing and (c) meet children's health care needs most effectively. Purpose: To describe this innovative collaboration as a model for promoting nursing research, building nursing research leaders in school health for the future and improving child health outcomes. Concise description of methodology: The accomplishments of this organization will be displayed including research grants, publications, presentations, and educational opportunities. Results of a focus group and survey of members will also be presented as well as issues issues with human subjects review in school nursing research. Findings: This organization, which has over 100 school nurse members, has generated in its nine years 7 funded grants, 5 journal articles, more than 20 oral presentations, 5 poster presentations, and 7 continuing education programs on research. A logic model for evaluating this organization's progress will also be presented along with qualitative survey and focus group findings. Summary/concluding statement: In order to promote nursing research, new models for reaching out to nurses and to improve child health outcomes can be developed through innovative collaborative efforts between universities and community partners.