School Nurses' Perceived Role and Capacity to Support School Behavioral Health Programs in DC Public and Public Charter Schools

Authors

Olga Acosta Price, Center for Health and Health Care in Schools, Milken Institute School of Public Health, the George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Breahnna Saunders, Center for Health and Health Care in Schools, Milken Institute School of Public Health, the George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Julie Gibbons, School of Nursing, the George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Rachel Sadlon, Center for Health and Health Care in Schools, Milken Institute School of Public Health, the George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Lori Garibay, District of Columbia Department of Health, Washington, DC, USA.
Kafui Doe, District of Columbia Department of Health, Washington, DC, USA.
Felicity Nelson, District of Columbia Department of Health, Washington, DC, USA.
Tiffany Wise, District of Columbia Department of Health, Washington, DC, USA.
Eartha Isaac, District of Columbia Department of Health, Washington, DC, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

7-25-2024

Journal

The Journal of school nursing : the official publication of the National Association of School Nurses

DOI

10.1177/10598405241266237

Keywords

mental health; school nurse education; school nurse knowledge/perceptions; standards of care

Abstract

School nurses (SNs) practicing in DC public and public charter schools were surveyed to assess their perceived role and self-reported preparation to provide behavioral health prevention, early identification, and treatment services in schools. A total of 154 SNs completed a questionnaire about their role in the delivery of behavioral health services and supports. SNs reported they are primarily involved in the identification and referral of students to other school behavioral health professionals. Respondents also reported a lack of training in behavioral health and a desire for more information on related programs and services. This study offers recommendations for educating future SNs and highlights how the DC School Health Services Program utilized study findings to build capacity for SNs employed in practice. This study can help tailor educational opportunities for SNs to maximize their role in school behavioral healthcare process flows and ultimately improve outcomes for students and families.

APA Citation

Price, Olga Acosta; Saunders, Breahnna; Gibbons, Julie; Sadlon, Rachel; Garibay, Lori; Doe, Kafui; Nelson, Felicity; Wise, Tiffany; and Isaac, Eartha, "School Nurses' Perceived Role and Capacity to Support School Behavioral Health Programs in DC Public and Public Charter Schools" (2024). GW Authored Works. Paper 5230.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/5230

Department

Prevention and Community Health