Advocacy Tools

Advocacy is the deliberate process of influencing those who make decisions.

Why school nurses should be advocates.

School nurses are healthcare professionals in an educational setting and frequently practice as the only healthcare professional in the setting.

The role of the school nurse is not always understood by teachers, administrators, parents, elected officials, and the community at large.

Only school nurses have the insight to educate stakeholders so they know the role of the school nurse and the difference school nurses make in the lives of children. Stakeholders need to know why school nurses are important.

School nurses serve students and families and should proactively engage their school community.

Tell your story.

Start a log to document stories describing how you interceded to help a child at school. Anecdotes connect your efforts to improved student health and academic achievement.

Put your expertise on display!

  • Create a newsletter or a web page.
  • Send health and wellness email updates to school officials, administrators and parents.
  • Offer to make a presentation on health issues at a PTA/PTO or board of education meeting.
  • Allow local leaders to see you as a valuable resource for children.
  • Write letters to the editor.

Build relationships with stakeholders.

Regularly attend PTA/PTO and board of education meetings.

Attend local community events.

Find opportunities to meet with elected officials; including school board members, city councilors, mayors, and state and federal legislators.

Definition of School Nursing

School nursing, a specialized practice of nursing, protects and promotes student health, facilitates optimal development, and advances academic success. School nurses, grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice, are the leaders who bridge health care and education, provide care coordination, advocate for quality student-centered care, and collaborate to design systems that allow individuals and communities to develop their full potential. Adopted by the NASN Board of Directors February 2017.