Feasibility of collecting school nurse data

To benefit from education and instruction in school, children must be healthy and ready to learn.   Although studies demonstrate the effectiveness of school nursing on some child health and education outcomes, significantly more research is needed. Yet, school nurses cite barriers to collecting data on the wide range of care they provide.  This descriptive study evaluated the feasibility of collecting data on selected school nurse child health and education outcomes over 5 days.  Outcome variables included:  School health office visits; health provider, parent and staff communication; early dismissal; and medications administered.   On an average day, the school nurse cared for 43.5 students, administered 14 medications, and contacted eight parents, eight school personnel, and one health care provider, for an average of 17 daily communications.  Forty-two nurses responded to at least one item on Day 1 of the data collection survey.  By day 5, 32 were still participating.  Day 1 data collection times averaged 15 minutes or less.  By day 5, 7.5 minutes was needed to complete the survey.  Data collection was feasible for 76% of those who opted to participate. Feasibility is enhanced by limiting the number of data points and the number of days for data collection using friendly data collection interface.  Data is necessary to make the case for school nursing services for children and to advocate against further cuts in school health services.  This pilot study lays the foundation for school nurse research that measures the impact of school nurse presence and interventions on child health and education.