The purpose of this study was to describe parents' perceptions of children's health needs, how these needs could be resolved, and school health services. Nine focus groups were conducted in five rural counties of a southern state with a sample of 59 parents of middle school-age children. Health issues identified by parents were organized under the headings of (a) physical health issues, (b) psychosocial health issues, and (c) environmental health issues. Parents indicated that resolution of these health issues was dependent on parental, school, and community involvement. The school health services recommended by study participants included nurses, counselors, better nutrition, better hygiene facilities, and sex education. All groups identified school nurses as an important component, however, the participants' perception of the nurse's role was limited to administering medication, performing immunizations, and providing acute care. They did not conceive of nurses as program planners, health educators, or health promoters. The findings have implications for nursing practice, particularly for those nurses interested in public health. Nurses and nursing professional organizations need to work to improve the public image of nursing as a profession through marketing and education. Nurses should be viewed as leaders in the health care profession rather than just providers of technical skills. In order to make changes that can improve the health of our nation; nurses must be viewed as an important part of the health care profession through such roles as educator, researcher, clinician, leader, and advocate.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Child Health, Nurses
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.