Identifying the school administrator’s understanding of the school nurse role

Background: School administrators are responsible for the oversight of school nurse roles, responsibilities, and staffing levels. However, administrators may not be fully aware of the scope and standards of school nursing practice or student healthcare needs. The purpose of this study was to identify the educational administrator’s understanding of the school nurse role. Method: Q methodology was used to explore quantitatively the subjective, shared opinions of school administrators about the school nurse role. Data regarding administrator personal characteristics and environmental factors were looked at as possible contributing factors in role perception. Participants (N=25) completed demographic and Q-sort surveys using an online platform. Results: Seven factors representing unique viewpoints were identified explaining 70.8% of the study variance. Though the most common school administrator perception of school nurses is that of a medical-model nurse with a prioritization of physical health needs of students, several other perceptions were identified. The factors identified were Medical-Model School Nurse, School Nurse as a Health Liaison Within the School, School Nurse as a Trusted Professional Liaison to the Community, School Nurse as an Educator, School Nurse as a Collaborator and Provider of Guidance, School Nurse as a Manager of Student Mental Healthcare, and School Health Leader. Conclusions: Outcome data related to actual school nurse role functions should be compared with the prevailing perceptions of school administrators to determine congruency or highlight areas of lesser recognized functions of the school nurse role. This study will help to guide and refine future efforts toward a clearer understanding of the school nurse role. Based upon a more complete understanding of the school nurse role, administrators may increase support and advocacy for revision of assigned duties and enhanced staffing levels.