Perceptions of School Nurses on Providing Nutrition Services to School-Aged Children

• Published in: Journal of the American Dietetic Association 1997-09, Vol.97 (9), p.A58-A58
• Main Authors: Sneller, S.K., Morrow, S.R., Rice, L.J., Vanderzyl, J.G, Stone, K.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0002-8223; 1878-3570
• DOI: 10.1016/S0002-8223(97)00513-0

LEARNING OUTCOME: To describe the nutrition education training received by school nurses, their sources of nutritional information & nutrition-related activities that they provide in schools. School nurses occupy a central role in influencing the health & nutrition habits of young people. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions and attitudes of school nurses towards their education in nutrition and the nutrition services that they provide to children. A survey was mailed to 564 members of a state school nurses association, and 311 were returned. Approximately half of the subjects had baccalaureate degrees, but advanced degrees or nurse practitioner certifications were uncommon. Most reported learning about nutrition through a specific undergraduate class and by having nutrition topics covered in nursing classes. The majority had nutrition classes/topics taught by either a dietitian or a nurse. Only 45% had attended a continuing education (CE) program that addressed nutrition within the last two years, but most were very interested in such training. Over 75% of the subjects used materials from non-profit groups, or magazines, newspapers and health-related books as their source of nutrition information. Subjects were most likely to contact other nurses or their school food service supervisors for additional help. The most common nutrition-related activities conducted at schools were: advising other staff members or parents about nutrition and providing individual counseling on eating behaviors/special diets. School nurses had positive attitudes toward the value of nutrition with over 94% believing that diet was very important for good health. Half of the subjects felt that it was easy for them to obtain nutrition information and 66% were confident that the information they obtained was scientifically accurate. More than half felt very confident advising others about healthy eating practices. This study indicates that school nurses provide a variety of nutritional services and feel comfortable with their nutritional sources and educational background. Dietitians should collaborate with these health professionals to provide CE opportunities and reliable nutrition information.