How May the State School Nurse Consultant Support School Nursing Research?

Abstract

A sound foundation of research and evidence-based practice is essential for school nursing practice. This foundation will contribute to a strong knowledge base, accountability, credibility as a discipline, and recommendations for policy at local, state, and national levels (Vessey & Massachusetts School Nurse Research Network [MASNRN] Oversight Board, 2007). In 2002, the National Nursing Coalition for School Health prioritized the top three research issues for school nursing: (1) impact of School Nurse services on student health, (2) relationship between School Nurse practice and educational outcomes, and (3) benefits and cost of school health services (Edwards, 2003). Selekman and Guilday (2003) described 10 broad categories of desired outcomes of school nursing practice, reinforcing the need for research in this critical nursing specialty area. The State School Nurse Consultant (SSNC) is uniquely positioned to guide, facilitate, and encourage the development of the state’s school nursing research agenda by doing the following: