A Qualitative Exploration of School Nurse Continuing Education Needs

Abstract

Continuing education (CE) can help school nurses achieve the unique competencies required for the challenges of an academic health setting. A comprehensive understanding of school nurse learning needs is necessary to guide CE development. The purpose of this study was to describe school nurse perceptions of their learning needs according to the Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice ™. The researchers analyzed data from 24 interviews with practicing school nurses using descriptive coding to identify perceived learning needs. Learning needs relevant to all areas of the framework were identified, with clinical judgment and team development emerging as priority areas for CE. These results illuminate school nurse perceptions of their own learning needs and can help guide the development of meaningful CE opportunities.

Analysis of the Demand for Continuing Education of Nurses in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Its Influencing Factors

“…In order to reduce the occupational risk of nurses in the infectious disease department, we should carry out corresponding continuing education programs for different groups of people. Continuing education should include the following: (1) Increase the self-protection awareness of nursing staff, adopt a mentoring model, and correct wrong nursing behaviors in a timely manner; (2) Continuously strengthen the professional training of nursing staff, and conduct targeted dissemination of professional knowledge of infection protection; (3) Implement a comprehensive nursing protection mechanism to effectively protect the personal safety of nursing staff [ 9 , 10 ]. In addition, we should establish an assessment mechanism, and those who fail the assessment should be given counseling and training again, so as to ensure the quality of work and their own safety of the nurses in the infectious disease department [ 19 ].…”

“…Foreign studies have also pointed out that professional and effective continuing education is crucial to providing safe and high-quality care, regardless of age or seniority, only continuous learning can bring high-quality care to patients. Through the investigation, the nurses of the infection department affirmed the importance of continuing education [ 10 ]. However, there are differences in the degree of demand for continuing education among nurses of different ages and qualifications.…”

Factors associated with continuing education needs in medication administration among school nurses

“…School nurses provide holistic health services to students, which distinguishes them from nurses serving in other specialized medical settings. Consequently, the continuing education needs of school nurses are more diverse and subject to change (Jordan et al., 2021; Ramos et al., 2022). In non‐medical settings, school nurses are expected to serve as care coordinators and managers in terms of chronic disease management for students.…”

“…Continuing education plays a crucial role in enabling school nurses to acquire up‐to‐date knowledge and enhance their practice workflow. To achieve these goals effectively, it is essential to assess the learning needs of school nurses as the first step in implementing successful continuing education programs (Jordan et al., 2021). Despite the importance of continuing education in medication administration within school settings, few studies have explored this area.…”