Resources

RCN publications

Employing nurses in independent schools (002 301)
RCN guide for nurses and employers

The role of school nurses in providing emergency contraception services in educational settings (Publication code 002 772)
A recent report has shown that the role of school nurses has extended to providing emergency contraception and advice on sexual health to school-age children, and that an increasing number of schools are offering contraception and sexual health advice services. This RCN position statement aims to clarify the responsibilities of school nurses and asserts the importance of appropriate training, experience and working together with education providers. It also looks at the laws around providing emergency contraception to under-16s and the duty of confidentiality.

School nurses. Results from a census survey of RCN school nurses in 2005 (publication code 002 793, web only)
Following new government targets to ensure each primary and secondary school in the UK has access to a nurse, the RCN commissioned a survey to investigate the role of the school nurse. It compared the activities, workloads, concerns and career development of school nurses across the state and independent sectors. The survey highlights the various issues that are currently hampering school nursing services, such as heavy workloads, low staffing levels and unmet training needs.

School nursing in 2009: results from a survey of RCN members working in schools in 2009
In 2005 the RCN published findings from the largest ever survey of school nurses in the UK. The survey (which covered 1,291 school nurses) helped to quantify the breadth and depth of the role, highlighting the wide range of activities undertaken and placing the school nurse at the centre of liaisons with numerous agencies and other professionals working with young
people. But the survey also revealed heavy workloads, with school nurses being more likely than any other group of nurse to report regularly working excess hours.
Four years on, the survey has been repeated to explore how school nursing has changed and what are the issues facing school nurses across the UK in 2009. Questionnaires were sent to every RCN member identified in the UK as having 'school nursing' job titles in February 2009, and the survey was made available online. The overall response rate is estimated at 72%.