By employing these strategies, school nurse advocates can build a compelling case for the value of school nursing that resonates with decision-makers and stakeholders across education, healthcare, and policy domains.
NASN advocates for collecting evidence to demonstrate the value of school nursing for student well-being and academic success. NASN’s evidence of school nursing value priorities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Quantitative Data Collection
Gathering robust quantitative data is crucial for demonstrating the tangible impact of school nursing:
- Track key variables and health outcomes for students with chronic conditions, such as asthma, epilepsy, and diabetes, to show improved management and outcomes.
- Measure reductions in absenteeism rates for students receiving school nursing care.
- Calculate cost savings from preventing emergency room visits and reduced parent work absences.
- Supporting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Economic Analysis
Conducting economic evaluations can provide compelling evidence of school nursing's financial value:
- Perform cost-benefit analyses comparing school nursing costs to societal savings. A Massachusetts study completed in 2015 found that for every $1 spent on school nursing, society saves $2.201 .
- Quantify productivity gains from teachers and other school personnel spending less time addressing student health issues.
Qualitative Research
- Education/guidance to members on the importance/urgency of qualitative research, our stories have power, but they need to be shared.
- Survey teachers on how school nursing support affects classroom learning environments.
- Gather testimonials from families about improved care coordination and health outcomes.
- Document case studies highlighting school nurses' role in saving lives and the early identification of health conditions.
Population Health Focus
Emphasizing school nurses' contributions to population health can demonstrate their wider value:
- Highlight school nurses' role in improving immunization rates and managing communicable diseases.
- Showcase their involvement in health promotion and education initiatives.
- Emphasize their expanding role in providing mental health support and referrals.
Policy Engagement
Engaging with policymakers is crucial for advocating for school nursing resources:
- Present data-driven reports to school boards and legislators demonstrating return on investment.
- Collaborate with public health departments to align school nursing with broader community health goals.
- Advocate for inclusion of school nursing in health reform and education policy discussions.
1Wang LY, Vernon-Smiley M, Gapinski MA, Desisto M, Maughan E, Sheetz A. Cost-benefit study of school nursing services. JAMA Pediatr. 2014;168(7):642–648