No abstract

Human health is dependent on the health of the planet. Overwhelming evidence indicates that environmental degradation and climate change is negatively affecting planetary health and is on a worsening trajectory. The health of our children, especially those who live in poverty, suffer from chronic disease, or are otherwise disadvantaged, will benefit most from successful efforts to change this trajectory or will suffer the most if we do nothing. School nurses, members of the largest and most trusted group of healthcare providers, have a professional and ethical obligation to address environmental degradation and the impact on our students and communities. Research suggests that knowledge about climate change and the associated health impacts are positively correlated to school nurses’ attitudes and behaviors. This article aims to raise school nurse awareness, understanding, and agency regarding the possible trajectories of environmental degradation, implications to the health and well-being of current and future generations of children, and evidence-based actions to positively influence the trajectory. The Framework for 21st Century School Nurse Practice™ advocates a practice model that is student centered and provides a mind-set for school nursing to approach the topic of planetary and environmental health.

Scope and standards documents can seem abstract or academic but, in reality, they are important representations of the practice of nursing, in this case, school nursing. This article will highlight the latest updates and changes to the School Nursing: Scope and Standards of Professional Practice, Fourth edition, including a discussion of the newest standard—Advocacy.

This interview provides a practical example of how a school district manages their data. It is a practical example of how to apply the principles found in the article on data governance, which is part of the "data and school nursing" articles series being published in NASN School Nurse during the 2018-2019 school year.