Sharick Graciela Braca Torres
- Designation: Universidad Manuela Beltran
- Country: Colombia
- Title: The Role of Nursing in School Health A Scoping Review
Abstract
School health has become a relevant area for the development of preventive strategies, health promotion, and comprehensive care for children and adolescents.
This research analyzes the role of nursing professionals in school environments through a Scoping Review approach, identifying competencies, interventions, challenges, and opportunities for strengthening nursing practice in educational settings.
The study highlights that school nurses contribute significantly to the creation of healthy environments through education, disease prevention, early detection of health conditions, emotional support, emergency response, and coordination between healthcare systems and educational communities.
Background and Rationale
Educational institutions represent key spaces where health behaviors are established and where early interventions can improve quality of life.
The integration of nursing professionals into schools allows continuous health monitoring, promotes self-care, supports vulnerable students, and strengthens collaboration among students, families, teachers, and healthcare providers.
Despite international evidence supporting school nursing, implementation remains unequal due to differences in health policies, professional recognition, and availability of nursing services.
Scientific Gap
Although school nursing demonstrates positive impacts worldwide, there are still limitations regarding standardized roles, regulations, and research production in several contexts, including Latin America. Identifying current evidence is necessary to understand how nurses contribute to educational and health outcomes.
Research Objective
To analyze scientific evidence regarding the role of nursing professionals in school health environments, including their functions, competencies, interventions, barriers, and contributions to student well-being.
Methodology
A Scoping Review methodology was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework. The PCC model (Population, Concept, Context) guided the research process.
Population: Nursing professionals involved in school health. Concept: Roles, competencies, and interventions of school nursing. Context: Educational institutions and school health environments.
Scientific literature was explored through databases including PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, and academic sources.
Studies related to health promotion, prevention, nursing interventions, and school-based care were considered.
Main Findings
The evidence demonstrates that school nurses perform multiple functions:
• Health education for students, teachers, and families.
• Prevention programs and promotion of healthy lifestyles.
• Management of chronic diseases and emergency situations.
• Support for mental health and emotional well-being.
• Development of inclusive and safe educational environments.
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
However, barriers include limited institutional support, insufficient policies, and lack of permanent nursing positions in schools.
Discussion
School nursing represents an expansion of traditional nursing practice by incorporating community health, education, leadership, and prevention.
Nurses act not only as healthcare providers but also as educators and advocates for children's rights and well-being.
Strengthening school nursing programs may contribute to healthier communities and more equitable access to preventive healthcare.
Conclusion
Nursing professionals are essential in improving school health outcomes.
Their presence in educational environments supports prevention, early intervention, health literacy, and comprehensive student care.
Recognizing and strengthening the role of school nurses is an important strategy for advancing public health and improving educational environments internationally.
Keywords
School Nursing; Nursing Role; Health Promotion; School Health; Nursing Interventions; Public Health.