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Innovation and effectiveness: changing the scope of school nurses in New Zealand secondary schools

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 14
Authors:
  • Kool B et al
Summary:

This study conducted annual semi-structured school nurse interviews and analysed routinely collected school health service data in eight New Zealand secondary schools from low socioeconomic areas with high Pacific Island and Mäori rolls, from 2002 to 2005. Two patterns of school nurse operation were identified: an embracing pattern, where nurses embraced the concept of providing school-based health services; and a Band-Aid pattern, where only the basics for student health care were provided by school nurses.

Comment:
These results confirm the important role of school nurses in the provision of health care and education for tamariki and rangatahi. School boards should work with their school nurses if they wish to see an ‘embracing pattern of practice’ rather than the ‘band aid’ approach. I suggest that job satisfaction for school nurses would improve also when they are supported at a regional or national level, have a career pathway including assistance to receive appropriate education and can work with the community/pupils to ensure the service will meet their needs.
Reference: Aust N Z J Public Health. 2008;32:177-80
Abstract
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Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

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