School Nursing and SchoolYard Gardening: A Tale of Mutual Symbiosis.

Abstract

Working within NASN's School Nursing Practice Framework, this author proposes schoolyard gardening as an action oriented approach found in the "Leadership" principle of the Framework. Leadership references "activities related to the mind-set of leadership, not a position." The author suggests that schoolyard gardening is an emerging topic with student health being the desired outcome, as well as, proposing a schoolyard garden is needed in every school. A basic overview of School Nurse Certification in New Jersey is shared along with a 15 year outline of an award-winning schoolyard garden and how a schoolyard garden relates to wellness and teaching health within the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.