School Nurses on the Front Lines of Healthcare: Recognizing the Signs and Putting the “BRAKES” on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

Abstract

Through a presented case scenario, this article describes the assessment and management of the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), which includes sex trafficking, as relevant for the school nurse. CSEC is a major public health problem globally, nationally, and locally, even infiltrating school hallways. School nurses may be the last point of possible intervention for potential or actual victims of CSEC, therefore, it is vital for a school nurse to be able to recognize, report, and assist with advocacy and prevention efforts in the school community to put the brakes on the exploitation of children.

The Journal of School Nursing and the NASN School Nurse: Partners in Guiding Evidence-Based Practice

“…Both journals hold great importance in guiding school nursing practice. The February 2021 JOSN issue includes an article by Simone and Laughon titled “Risk factors and indicators for commercial sexual exploitation/domestic minor sex trafficking of adolescent girls in the United States in the context of school nursing: An integrative review of the literature.” This integrative literature review can be paired with the NASN School Nurse article “Recognizing the signs and putting the brakes on commercial sexual exploitation of children” by Lucas et al, (2021), published in this issue.…”