The Role of Practicing School Nurses

School nursing is a dynamic area of public and population health. School nurses collaborate with students, families, their school, medical and dental homes, and the broader community to improve student health and academic outcomes. School nurses address a wide range of issues affecting students including “…child abuse and or neglect; domestic and school violence; child and adolescent obesity and inactivity; mental health issues, including suicide and substance abuse; adolescent pregnancy and parenting; environmental health; physical and emotional disabilities and their consequences; chronic health needs, complex health conditions; and social determinants of health, such as family education, lack of health insurance coverage, homelessness, poverty, and more.” Based on the assessment of needs and assets the school nurse uses scientific knowledge to mitigate barriers to learning. The role of the school nurse in addressing health and racial equity became starkly evident as they supported students, families, schools, and communities during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020-21.