RCN: School nurses feeling the strain of public health demands
Published: 13 May 2009
An RCN survey of over a thousand school nurses shows the average state school nurse has to look after more than 2,500 school children, leaving two thirds feeling overstretched and unsupported. The survey also indicates that school nurses are taking on an increasing number of responsibilities with nearly three quarters now spending a significant amount of their time dealing with child protection issues.
RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter says the role of the school nurse is increasing in importance but the numbers of school nurses working and being trained are not keeping pace with the level of demand. He adds he was pleased the Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to one school nurse for each secondary school and cluster of primary schools by 2010 at Congress this week, but warns that for this to happen, much faster progress is needed.
"If nurses are to take on an increasing role in child protection, the risks of not having enough staff are too high to contemplate.
School nursing is crucial to public health education, which can make a real difference to the lives of generations. School nurses can help with issues before serious problems develop, but they must be in a position to spend time with pupils to make a difference" says Dr Carter.
School nurse Joy Winks from Sheffield comments:
"As school nurses, we know that we can make a real difference to the children and young people in our care, but only if there are enough staff to spend time with them. Things have got a little better in terms of numbers, but the demands on us keep going up and up. We are dealing with a huge range of issues, from sexual health to safeguarding children. They all need time and expertise to bring about the positive outcomes the children and young people deserve."
The survey also shows that as demands were increasing, fewer school nurses report having access to specialist training and development to keep up to date. Many report problems with getting study time, funding and appropriate cover.