bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healing Colonial Trauma
Authors: McCormick Philip
Published: July 2008

Religious analyses of Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) usually examine the theological, eschatological, or ecclesiastical elements of Garvey's vision or those of the UNIA. These approaches relegate the religiosity of Marcus Garvey to ideological frameworks and overlook the ritualistic behavior, dress, and colonial symbolism deployed by Garvey and within the UNIA. This article shifts the focus from an ideological analysis to a history-of-religions model that compares religious aspects of Garvey and the UNIA to those of Melanesian Cargo movements. As understood in the history of religions, Cargo movements reflect how colonized peoples religiously negotiate the dehumanizing effects of colonization. This comparative approach allows for an analysis of the myths and symbols deployed by Garvey and within UNIA, which identifies these religious acts as processes concerned with addressing the traumatic effects of being colonized.
Cultivating Consciousness Among Black Women
Authors: Eaton Sherry C. , Livingston Jonathan N. , McAdoo Harriette Pipes
Published: July 2008

This study was conducted to assess the relationship between political ideology and self-esteem among African American female college students. From a historically Black university, 164 women were sampled. A series of standard multiple regression were employed to assess the relationship between political ideology, age, and self-esteem. Results of the study indicated that Black Nationalism was a significant predictor of self-esteem and that age was not a significant predictor of Black Nationalism. The findings of this study suggest that a political ideology may be predictive of well-being in African American women. Future research needs to assess the impact of maturation in the development of political ideology across the lifespan. Furthermore, research on Black women’s political ideas may contribute to the literature and broaden our understanding of what factors precede a strong Black identity and, subsequently, affect psychological health.
Responsiveness of Students With Language Difficulties to Early Intervention in Reading
Authors: O'Connor Rollanda E. , Bocian Kathleen , Beebe-Frankenberger Margaret , Linklater Danielle L.
Published: July 2008

For children with language challenges, little is known about effective early reading interventions, because most studies have used language scores as exclusionary criteria. We randomly assigned 78 kindergartners with poor language skills to small group reading interventions that included phonemic awareness, alphabetic understanding, and oral language. The groups began in September or mid-February. Nearly half the students were English learners. MANOVA between these groups found that earlier intervention led to significantly better outcomes than the same interventions begun later in kindergarten. We found similar rates of growth between students who were English only or English learners. Twice as many students in the immediate as in the delayed treatment scored in the average range at the end of the year. Pretests did not predict who would be a good or poor responder to the treatments; however, January scores in letter knowledge and phonemic awareness were reliably different for good and poor responders.
Organic Intellectuals of Urban Politics? Turkish Urban Professionals as Political Agents, 1960—80
Authors: Batuman Bulent
Published: July 2008

The post-war period in Turkey witnessed a rapid phase of urbanisation that widely shaped the social and political environment during the 1960s and the 1970s. In this period, which was marked by the extensive politicisation of the urban masses, urban problems entered into the realm of daily politics and urban politics evolved into an autonomous realm of struggle. This article analyses the role played by Turkish architects and urban planners, who will homogeneously be labelled as urban professionals, within this process. The intention is to scrutinise the counter-hegemonic potentials of a political agency on the part of urban professionals with reference to the Gramscian concept of `organic intellectuals'.
Agglomeration Effects on Regional Economic Disparities: A Comparison between the UK and Japan
Authors: Nakamura Ryohei
Published: July 2008

In this study, the reason and cause of regional economic disparities in terms of per capita value-added are investigated by comparing the UK and Japanese regions. Special attention is paid to agglomeration effects on the differences of regional productivities. The Gini coefficients of per capita values-added exhibit relatively higher levels for the UK regions than for Japanese regions over the period 1995—2003. The cause of this difference is found to be in labour productivities rather than employment rates or labour per population. Furthermore, a decomposition of labour productivity into main industries clarifies agglomeration effects on manufacturing and service-related industry between both countries. Based on these findings, the production functions are estimated by main industries and differences in agglomeration effects on industries between the two countries are examined. Taking a dynamic view of the changing disparities across regions, an increase in regional disparities is associated with the cumulative growth theory.
Unpacking Employee Responses to Organizational Exchange Mechanisms: The Role of Social and Economic Exchange Perceptions†
Authors: Jiwen Song Lynda , Tsui Anne S. , Law Kenneth S.
Published: July 2008

Organizations form different degrees of social and economic exchange relationships with their employees. In this study, we unpack employee responses to organizational-level mechanisms of executive leadership style, organizational culture, and employment approaches by examining the mediating role of employees' perceptions of social and economic exchange relationships. The results of hierarchical linear modeling analyses show that social exchanges partially mediate the influence of the CEO's transformational leadership, an integrative organizational culture, and the mutual investment employment approach on affective commitment and task performance but not on organizational citizenship behavior. Economic exchanges partially mediate the influence of a hierarchical culture on all three employee outcomes and mediate the influence of the quasi-spot contract employment approach on commitment and organizational citizenship behavior but not on task performance. These results suggest the need for further understanding of the role of social and economic exchanges in organizational research.
Conventional and Reverse Knowledge Flows in Multinational Corporations†
Authors: Qin Yang  , Mudambi Ram , Meyer Klaus E.
Published: July 2008

Leveraging knowledge from geographically disparate subsidiaries is a crucial source of competitive advantage for multinational corporations (MNCs). This study investigates the determinants of knowledge transfers to and from newly acquired subsidiaries in three transition economies in Central and Eastern Europe. It is hypothesized that the determinants of conventional knowledge transfers from MNC parents to subsidiaries and reverse knowledge transfers from subsidiaries to MNC parents are based on different transfer logics. A sample of 105 acquired subsidiaries revealed that organizational characteristics are important in conventional knowledge flows from headquarters, so that subsidiaries acquired with competence-creating objectives receive significantly larger inflows. Knowledge characteristics are important in reverse flows to headquarters so that subsidiaries whose knowledge is more relevant are able to transmit significantly larger outflows. Host country locations have significant moderating effects. The significance of the directional context in knowledge transfers is an important new finding.
Managerial Risk, Innovation, and Organizational Decline
Authors: Latham Scott F. , Braun Michael
Published: July 2008

This article introduces managers' personal risk considerations into the relationship between organizational decline and innovation. The agency-based perspective is used to complement threat rigidity theory and prospect theory in examining how managerial ownership and slack resources affect managers' innovation decisions when firms experience poor performance. The findings indicate that more managerial ownership decelerates innovation spending. The availability of slack resources also reduces the rate of innovation investments. Firms with more slack resources and higher levels of managerial ownership jointly reduce innovation under circumstances of decline. Last, poorly performing firms that continue investments in innovation exhibit a lower probability of survival.
Queer Blogging in Indian Digital Diasporas
Authors: Mitra Rahul , Gajjala Radhika
Published: July 2008

Queering and transgendering practices have been visible across the Internet since the time of multiuser domains (MUDs), MUD object oriented domains (MOOs), e-mail lists, and Web bulletins. This article maps some themes of queering in the Indian digital diaspora through an intergenerational lens, produced in the acts of online and offline coauthoring, weblogging, and reading of instances of such online queering relationally. By way of a dialogic encounter on their own blogs and employing performative writing that simulates the blogsphere, the authors look at the interplay of codes of identity through the employment of themes, language, symbols, and cultural influences in their writing. Examining the themes emerging from the specific blogs they study, the authors ask how power is shifted and relayered in these articulations and what the inviting interactional features of their writer-audience communities are that allow for certain kinds of self-expression while also shaping their performance of sexuality in these spaces.
In vivo Response of Bioactive PMMA-based Bone Cement Modified with Alkoxysilane and Calcium Acetate
Authors: Sugino Atsushi , Ohtsuki Chikara , Miyazaki Toshiki
Published: July 2008

The use of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-based bone cement is popular in orthopedics for the fixation of artificial joints with bone. However, it has a major problem with prostheses loosening because of coverage by fibrous tissue after long-term implantation. Recently, a bioactive bone cement has been developed that shows direct bonding to living bone through modification of PMMA resin with γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) and calcium acetate. The cement is designed to exhibit bioactivity, through incorporation of silanol groups and calcium ions. Thus, it has the potential to form a layer of bone-like hydroxyapatite, which is essential for achieving direct bonding to living bone. This type of modification allows the cement to show spontaneous hydroxyapatite formation on its surface in a simulated body fluid after one day, and there is evidence of osteoconduction of the cement in rabbit tibia for periods of more than three weeks. However, the influence of the dissolved ions from the modified cement has not yet been clarified. Thus, the authors focused on the dissolution of the modified PMMA-based bone cement and its tissue response in muscle and bone by comparison with the behavior of non-modified PMMA-based bone cement. One week after implantation in the latissimus dorsi of a rabbit, the modified PMMA-based bone cement showed more inflammatory width than the commercial cement. However, four weeks after implantation, the inflammatory width of both cements was essentially the same. The osteoconductivity around the modified cement was higher than that for the conventional cement after four weeks implantation. These results indicate that the initial dissolution of calcium acetate from the modified cement to form the hydroxyapatite induced the acute inflammation around tissue, but also developed the osteoconductivity. It is suggested that the initial inflammation can be effective for inducing osteoconduction through a bone healing reaction when the material provides an environment that promotes bone formation.
Effect of Platelet-rich Plasma on the in vitro Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Distinct Calcium Phosphate Scaffolds: The Specific Surface Area Makes a Difference
Authors: Kasten Philip , Vogel Julia , Beyen Ingo , Weiss Stefan , Niemeyer Philipp , Leo Albrecht , Lüginbuhl Reto
Published: July 2008

The in vitro effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on cell loading, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) is assessed on distinct resorbable and synthetic calcium phosphate scaffolds. A high specific surface area scaffold composed of calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA; 48m2/g) is compared with one made out of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP; surface area <0.5 m2/g). Fivefold concentrated fresh PRP is applied to scaffolds loaded with 2 × 105 MSC (n = 5). These constructs are kept in a medium with osteogenic supplements for 3 weeks. The addition of PRP leads to a higher cell loading efficiency of MSC on CDHA (p = 0.0001), that reaches the values of β-TCP. Proliferation over 21 days is improved by PRP both on CDHA (p = 0.0001) and β-TCP (p = 0.014) compared to MSC/calcium phosphate composites. Without the addition of PRP, CDHA has a lower cell loading efficiency (p= 0.0001) and proliferation (p= 0.001) than β-TCP. The ALP activity is higher in the MSC/ceramics groups than in the monolayer controls (p<0.05). The addition of PRP does not significantly affect ALP activity. However, ALP activity varies considerably within the cell donors and different PRP-pools (p = 0.001), while the cell numbers do not vary within these two parameters. PRP generates a positive effect on the loading efficiency of MSC on the high specific surface scaffold CDHA that thereby reaches the loading efficiency of β-TCP. PRP improved proliferation, but its osteogenic properties on both calcium phosphate scaffolds are weak.
Creating a Living Document: The National Association of School Nurses Strategic Plan 1998–2001 Mid-Course Evaluation
Authors: Brandt Charlotte Marvin
Published: July 2008

This is the third in a series of three articles devoted to the development, implementation, and evaluation of the National Association of School Nurses 1998–2001 Strategic Plan and how it relates to the practice of school nursing. Information regarding the extent to which each of the seven goals in the Strategic Plan has been met, and the future efforts in developing the 2001–2004 Strategic Plan will be reviewed. Areas of focus of the new NASN leaders and the priorities of the NASN management and Board of Directors will shape the future goals of the organization. The new definition of the practice of school nursing, the NASN Mission Statement, and the current Strategic Plan goals will drive the development of the next Strategic Plan. NASN leaders have a firm grasp on the future direction of the organization and are available and responsive to assist individual members and state affiliates in managing change and empowering school nurses to meet the challenges of the future.
Identifying High School Students’ Health Behaviors: Development of a Survey
Authors: Van Arsdale Ellen M.
Published: July 2008

A health survey developed to profile high school students for the purpose of assisting in program planning emphasized everyday health behaviors instead of focusing on high-risk behaviors (e.g., drinking, drugs, safety, or sexuality). The questionnaire was a voluntary 20-item survey that could be completed during a 15-minute homeroom period. A total of 1,401 students completed the questionnaire. Findings were shared with students, teachers, staff, and parents. Teachers and staff members were given a prepared response sheet that addressed each of the concerns identified. They were encouraged to have discussions about these behaviors with students during the homeroom period, as time and interest allowed. Response to the survey has been very positive, and a number of changes have been incorporated into the school health program as a result of the findings. One of these changes is a teen clinic that opened in April 1999. The findings also proved very useful in facilitating awareness of student behaviors and assisted in identifying ways the school nurse could assist students in improving their health and well-being.
The Challenge of Making the School Environment Safe for Children with Food Allergies
Authors: Gaudreau Janine M.
Published: July 2008

An ever-increasing number of children are entering schools with life-threatening food allergies. Despite efforts of well-educated school nurses, Sampson, Mendelson, and Rosen (1992) found more children succumbed to a fatal anaphylactic shock at school than at home or another setting. The strain on the school nurse who works on the front lines in an attempt to keep these children safe is evident. Because so many schools do not have a full-time nurse, it is essential for faculty to recognize when children are having a reaction and know what emergency steps to take. The school nurse has the responsibility for devising an emergency plan for the school in the event of her absence. Disseminating general information about anaphylactic reactions and specific information about how to read a label in order to avoid an allergen is essential. Legal ramifications regarding the children's right to privacy and the right to be educated along with their peers as well as laws that protect the non-nursing professional who gives nursing care, including use of an Epi-pen, need to be explained to staff. Because parents of children with food allergies are often frightened of the dangers their children may encounter when in the school environment, they require support and affirmation.
Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer Prevention in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Laughlin-Richard Naomi
Published: July 2008

Skin cancer is the most common form of malignancy today, and its incidence is rapidly increasing worldwide. Sun exposure is believed to be the primary factor behind this trend. Nearly 80% of a person's lifetime sun exposure occurs before age 21. Many skin cancer risk behaviors begin in early childhood; therefore, it is important to target the pediatric population for skin cancer prevention education. Parents, teachers, day care providers, and health care professionals should make sun safety a regular part of their practice. School nurses, in particular, are in a prime setting for educating the greatest number of children about sun safety. Age-appropriate skin cancer prevention education should become a routine part of the health curriculum at all grade levels. Numerous on-line resources are available to assist school nurses in the development of age-appropriate teaching materials and sun exposure policies for schools.
Hospice Care for a Terminally-III Child in the School Setting
Authors: Ramer-Chrastek Joan Jody
Published: July 2008

In our society, the words “dying” and “school” are not a natural fit. Recently they have occurred together all too frequently. When this happens, horror, fear, and confusion often prevail. The death of a child is always a tragedy, but handled well, it can bring positive growth and maturity to the school community. The death of a class member, teacher, or student affects the class in a way that no other event does. Accidental deaths, shootings, and other violent deaths cause multiple and complex problems within the school community. These dramatic and tragic events are present in the media and leave people with a violent concept of death. However, death sometimes comes in slow and lingering ways. In this article, the case study of a student named “Tyler” illustrates the painful but positive experiences of his class. This type of death — of a school-age child— brings a prolonged grief and struggle for students, teachers, and the school community.
School Nursing Services: The Early Years
Authors: Zaiger Donna Shipley
Published: July 2008

This is the first in a series of three articles devoted to school nursing practice past, present, and future. This article highlights development of school health programs in the late 1800s to 1950. Since its inception, school nursing service has paralleled events and developments in society. Nursing services were introduced to treat minor illnesses or injuries of children at school, to provide health education to children in school, and to provide follow-up care and teaching in the home setting in order keep the children healthy enough to attend school. As health care moved away from the home into physician-directed hospitals, nursing services in schools shifted from a focus on the public health nurse to the notion of a nurse-teacher with emphasis on health education. By exploring the practice of the early visionaries in school nursing, one realizes that today's nurses have similar challenges and opportunities in providing quality health care to the school community.
Pediculosis in a School Population
Authors: Estrada Jaime S. , Morris Rita I.
Published: July 2008

This nonexperimental, retrospective study of elementary, middle school, and high school children (a) determined the prevalence of pediculosis, (b) identified populations susceptible to head lice infestation, and (c) examined the role of the school nurse in pediculosis management. The findings showed the highest prevalence of pediculosis was among younger school-age children, and girls were 3 times more likely to be infested than boys. Hispanic children had the highest rate of infestation, followed by Caucasian children. African American children showed a 15% infestation rate, a finding not supported by other studies. The role of the school nurse in pediculosis management was restricted by time and budgetary constraints. Findings of this study support the need for a standardized data collection system for pediculosis in all school districts.
Initiation of a School Employee Wellness Program: Applying the Comprehensive Health Education Model
Authors: Galemore Cynthia A.
Published: July 2008

Employee wellness is an important component of a coordinated school health program and one that often lacks formalization. With many things competing for the school nurse's attention, health promotion for staff most often consists of helping to arrange flu vaccination and blood pressure screenings. The Comprehensive Health Model assists school personnel desiring to formalize an employee wellness program. An earlier nursing practice management article (Galemore, 2000) explored the history and components of work-site wellness programs. The purpose of this article is to review the process as outlined by the Comprehensive Health Education Model used by one school district to initiate an employee wellness program.
Smoking Cessation Programs for Adolescents
Authors: Donovan Kathleen A.
Published: July 2008

Many smoking cessation programs for adult smokers are described in the medical and nursing literature. Programs designed to prevent smoking among adolescents and children also are prevalent in the literature. Despite these prevention programs, many adolescents choose to start smoking. Once adolescents begin smoking, it is difficult to find ways to help them quit. Few programs exist that are targeted to help this population with smoking cessation. This article provides an in-depth review of 5 smoking cessation programs designed for adolescents. Each of the programs presents unique strategies for helping teenage smokers quit. Techniques used in these programs include peer leadership, nicotine patch therapy, peer support, computer instruction, and one-on-one counseling with a nurse practitioner. Each program was studied for efficacy with adolescents. Although none of the programs reviewed showed remarkable success, they serve as guides for future program development. Additional programs need to be developed and studied with larger, more diverse populations. Nurses must identify or develop smoking cessation programs that meet the needs of all types of adolescents and are effective in helping them to quit. Once designed, these smoking cessation programs should be made accessible to adolescents in a variety of settings.
School Health Services after Cedar Rapids Independent School District v. Garret F
Authors: Gelfman Mary Hughes Boyce , Schwab Nadine
Published: July 2008

In 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that “school health services” include nursing services that are required for students needing one-on-one (“private-duty”) nursing care to attend school. This ruling settled opposing federal court interpretations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, clarifying the rights of students with complex medical needs and the responsibility of school districts to provide them with an appropriate educational program. In responding to the challenges and opportunities raised by this decision, school nurses must understand the implications for school nursing practice and for school districts, educate their school leaders and communities, and provide leadership for creative and collaborative problem solving.
School Health Nursing: Framework for the Future, Part I
Authors: Costante Carol C.
Published: July 2008

Society has an emerging respect for the impact that school health nursing programs have on both the health and the education of school-age children. School nurses need to capture current opportunities by building on the richness of the past in order to remain viable, to advance the value of the specialty, and to meet increasing demands for health-related services in schools. Thriving in an increasingly complex and outcome-driven health and educational environment will require a broadening of perspectives, a modifying of paradigms, and an adjustment of attitudes and practices. This will involve building stronger program support, influencing external societal forces, forging new and expanded partnerships, and solidifying program infrastructures while addressing the specialty’s professional and practice issues. Such changes will allow school nursing services to remain available and relevant to the needs of the students and communities they serve. This is Part I of a two-part series on the future of school nursing.
“Operation Sick Bay”: An Opportunity for Community Service Learning
Authors: Lee Christine , Wester Judy , Fudge Evelyn
Published: July 2008

“Operation Sick Bay” was the inspiration of the 3 full-time nurses at Framingham High School, which has a population of 1,800 students and 300 teachers and staff. The primary focus of Operation Sick Bay was to create a health services environment conducive to learning about health and illness, developing lifetime skills in self-help and self-care, providing a restful atmosphere, and involving students and staff in taking pride in their school health services center. The “sick bays” are small units with privacy curtain closures used for students who need to lie down because of illness. There are 3 bays for female students and 3 for male students. Instead of the usual cream-colored walls, the project provided the opportunity to create a colorful environment designed to provide health information to students.
The Need for Quality Physical Education
Authors: Gabbard Carl
Published: July 2008

Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General described two aspects of national health that require our immediate attention: As a nation, we are becoming increasingly more sedentary and more overweight. Furthermore, he and some of the most prominent health agencies have suggested that one of the primary strategies to overcome what is viewed as a national epidemic is the promotion of quality physical education in our schools. This paper describes in brief the facts associated with this concern, what is meant by quality physical education, and the role of the school nurse in helping to promote physical education in the schools.
School-Age Caregivers: Perceptions of School Nurses Working in Central England
Authors: McClure Lorly
Published: July 2008

Children are caring for invalid relatives in Britain today, often at the expense of their own development. Research indicates these children are vulnerable to a wide range of problems. A preliminary investigation was conducted on the experiences of school nurses in central England to ascertain what they know about school-age caregivers, their awareness of how caring affects their health, and their perception of support available for caregivers. Eighteen school nurses participated in a qualitative investigation, which indicated that given recognition and resources, school nurses could identify school-age caregivers, their health needs, and, in cooperation with other agencies, provide these children with the necessary support.
Statewide Demonstration of Not On Tobacco: A Gender-Sensitive Teen Smoking Cessation Program
Authors: Dino Geri A. , Horn Kimberly A. , Goldcamp Jennifer , Maniar Sameep D. , Fernandes Ancilla , Massey Catherine J.
Published: July 2008

This study represented the largest statewide demonstration (n = 346) of the teen smoking cessation program Not On Tobacco (N-O-T) to date and one of the few systematically controlled teen smoking cessation trials reported in the literature. Results showed that N-O-T female teens were 4 times more likely to quit smoking almost 6 months after the program ended than female teens who received a brief intervention (BI). The quit rate for the N-O-T female groups was significantly higher than that for female brief intervention comparison groups. The study demonstrated that 2 times more N-O-T than BI teens quit smoking overall. Differences in the biochemically validated quit rate between the N-O-T groups and the brief intervention groups overall and for male participants were not statistically different, however. Furthermore, findings showed that N-O-T was more effective than the brief intervention in assisting youth with cigarette reduction. There was a significant difference in the reduction rate between the N-O-T and the BI groups on weekdays and weekends 6 months after the program ended. Overall, approximately 84% of N-O-T teens either quit or reduced smoking, compared with approximately 55% of BI teens. This study is 1 phase of an ongoing multiphase evaluation of N-O-T This study resulted in several important findings that will help guide future teen cessation studies and tobacco cessation efforts of school health professionals.
Handheld Computing: The Next Technology Frontier for School Nurses
Authors: Suszka-Hildebrandt Sylvia
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the potential utilization of handheld personal digital assistants for school nurses. Handheld devices and their general uses are described. Clinical programs available through downloading and Web sites with handheld resources are included. Finally, specific handheld computer applications that can be adapted for school nurses are discussed.
International Students’ Perceptions of Health Care
Authors: Collins Kathryn F.
Published: July 2008

International students are coming to the United States in increasing numbers to study in the independent school setting. Compared with the general student population, fewer international students seek nursing intervention or medical attention for common illnesses and ailments. The purpose of this study was to determine barriers, real or perceived, that impede international students in high schools from seeking and utilizing health services that are available to them in the school setting. This qualitative study used Leininger’s cultural care and universality theory. Self-contained focus groups were used to collect data that provided insight into attitudes, perceptions, and opinions as they relate to health care services, practices, and beliefs. Nursing implications include incorporation of culturally appropriate nursing care and the expansion of nursing practice to include traditional homeland remedies and medications in the treatment of international students in the school setting.
The Health Behavior Selection Process of Young Adolescents
Authors: Robinson Judith A.
Published: July 2008

The health behavior selection process of young adolescents was explored using the grounded theory research method. Data were generated from in-depth interviews, field notes from school settings, and memos. A conceptual model was generated identifying 4 major categories: assessing/valuing, confirming, choosing, and safeguarding. The processes identified in the model offer the potential of developing new strategies for school nurses to influence health behavior outcomes among young adolescents.
National School Nurse Certification Part II: Questions and Answers
Authors: Gregory Elizabeth K. , Marcontel Marilyn
Published: July 2008

The National Association of School Nurses proposed the concept of certification for school nurses in the 1970s. The development and evolution of the school nurse certification process, from concept to reality, were described in the October 2000 Journal of School Nursing ( Gregory & Marcontel, 2000 ). Readers were asked to submit questions to be answered in the second article. This article describes issues and answers questions from school nurses about national certification, gives information from past and current presidents and certified school nurses regarding their experiences, and presents a forecast on the future of school nurse certification.
The Nursing Outcomes Classification: Its Relevance to School Nursing
Authors: Cavendish Roberta , Lunney Margaret , Luise Barbara Kraynyak , Richardson Kathryn
Published: July 2008

Two surveys were conducted to determine school nurses’ perceptions of the relevance of 190 outcomes developed by the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) research team to school nursing practice. First, a national random survey of members of the National Association of School Nurses was conducted. Participants were asked to identify the percentage of children and families for whom school nurses affect health outcomes. Usable responses were returned from 227 school nurses (22% response rate). Ninety outcomes were perceived as relevant for 30% or more of children and families; 8 outcomes were perceived as relevant for 50% or more of children and families. A second survey—targeting state representatives attending a school nursing leadership meeting—was conducted using a revised version of the instrument. The legend was changed to degree of relevance to school nursing practice, with a response scale of 0 to 10. Usable responses were returned from 31 state representatives (41% response rate). The means of 172 of 190 outcomes were above 5 (median point on the 10-point scale of relevance). The findings of both surveys indicate that a large number of NOC outcomes are useful for documentation of the effectiveness of nursing interventions in school settings.
Childhood Asthma and Indoor Allergens: The Classroom May Be a Culprit
Authors: Epstien Barbara L.
Published: July 2008

Asthma has become the most common chronic illness among children. Indoor environments appear to play a substantial role in the development of asthma. Recent studies indicate strong evidence of a causal relationship between exposure to certain indoor environmental pollutants and development and/or exacerbation of asthma in susceptible individuals. Allergens of concern include those produced by dust mites, cockroaches, cats, dogs, and molds. It is important to better understand this relationship and take preventive and corrective steps to reduce or eliminate these sources in schools, homes, and day care centers. Measures include tracking of asthma and allergic response incidents; monitoring for the presence of allergens and molds; effective cleaning procedures; prompt repair of water leaks and/or moisture problems; control of indoor relative humidity; and proper operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
The Facts About E-mail
Authors: Bergren Martha Dewey
Published: July 2008

The use of E-mail in the school setting has become a standard method of communication. E-mail can increase the efficiency of communicating with parents and students. Privacy and security considerations regarding the use of E-mail to transmit health information must be addressed. This article outlines regulations and the best practices for using E-mail in the school health office.
Using Nicotine Replacement Therapy in Treating Nicotine Addiction in Adolescents
Authors: Maharaj Kumar , Ternullo Sharon
Published: July 2008

Cigarette smoking is the greatest cause of preventable death and disability in the United States. More than 3,000 children in the United States begin smoking each day. Smokers experience withdrawal symptoms that can be ameliorated by pharmacological interventions. These interventions include Zyban (Bupropion HCl), Nicorette gum, Habitrol patch, Nicoderm patch, Nicotrol inhaler, and Nicotrol NS spray, along with their generic counterparts. This article reviews each of these agents, the time course of nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire and presents a framework for assisting the nicotine-addicted student in smoking cessation.
The School Nurse Manager: A Catalyst for Innovation in School Health Programming
Authors: Descoteaux Ann
Published: July 2008

The nurse manager can assess students’ needs in a school system and devise programs that will eliminate duplication of effort and promote collaboration of health-related services. The nurse manager can also accurately evaluate job performance of the nursing staff with an eye toward risk reduction and improved program outcomes. The work of a school nurse manager can facilitate the provision of excellent health care services by school health programs in an era of high expectations and fiscal accountability. This article examines the role of the nurse manager in the school setting and urges school nurses to develop managerial skills to enhance the delivery of care in their schools.
The Transition From Adolescence to Young Adulthood: A Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Lenz Brenda
Published: July 2008

Life transitions are periods in time when individuals experience major changes. Transitions may occur during periods between two relatively stable states of human development. The associated changes with the transition bring instability as the person passes through the period. During this period, the individual is typically required to make major adjustments, to develop new skills, or to learn to cope with new experiences. One major life transition begins during the final year or years of high school. This transition, unlike childhood transitions, for many individuals will include a move from one’s childhood home and away from their family of origin and from an established network of friends. A successful transition to young adulthood will form a foundation for the individual in future stages of development and transitions. Three frameworks of transition, developmental psychology, counseling, and nursing, are described.
The Importance of Research to School Nurses and School Nursing Practice
Authors: Hootman Janis
Published: July 2008

Historically, school nursing has not documented sufficiently the health issues in schools, nor has it prioritized these issues for school nursing interventions or evaluated the effectiveness of nursing interventions. The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) is strongly committed to the advancement of children’s health. Thus, NASN is developing an infrastructure to support research that articulates the health conditions affecting children’s school success and the contributions of school nursing to children’s health and academic success. In 1999, NASN participated with the National Center for School Health and the National Nursing Coalition for School Health at a Research Summit to set a school nursing research agenda. Needs and issues were identified for future research activities. The primary outcome was the identification that school nurses must practice the standards of care pertaining to research. These standards specify that clinicians be informed about, supportive of, and participate in the conduct and use of research.
Does the School Nurse Have a Role to Play in School Discipline?
Authors: Gelfman Mary H. B.
Published: July 2008

Student discipline has become a subject of increasing concern at local, state, and national levels. This article is a discussion of current federal, state, and local school district legal requirements for student discipline in public schools with examples that illustrate several issues that could or should involve a school nurse. A brief history of the legal developments in school discipline includes key U.S. Supreme Court decisions and Acts of Congress. School district options in policy development and disciplinary procedures are discussed. Some of the discipline incidents include issues of nurse–patient confidentiality.
School Violence: An Overview
Authors: Strawhacker MaryAnn Tapper
Published: July 2008

School violence is a growing area of concern for school nurses across the nation. Recent national data and a compilation of risk factors for youth violence and school shootings are presented as a general guide to identifying students who may be in need of assistance. The nurse’s role in multidisciplinary planning and developing violence prevention strategies in the school and the community are examined.
An Evaluation of Commercial School Health Software for Use in Multisite Research Studies
Authors: Vessey Judith A.
Published: July 2008

Multisite research studies are an ideal way to help specialty nursing organizations move toward evidence-based practice. A necessary requisite of such studies, the ability to collect data efficiently and accurately, can be addressed by adapting commercially available software to the research. This article reviews six commercial software packages designed for school nurses as to their appropriateness for use with multisite studies. The three major criteria considered were (a) whether the software is sophisticated enough to meet the demands of research, (b) whether it is user-friendly, and (c) whether it has reasonable technical specifications. The strengths, weaknesses, appropriateness, and costs of each of the products are reviewed.
Asthma Education for Middle School Students and Staff
Authors: Harris Lenore “Lennie”
Published: July 2008

In recent years, the number of middle school students identified with asthma has increased dramatically. In addition, physical education teachers were concerned about the lack of class participation among many of these students. Students with asthma had little knowledge about the respiratory system or how to control their asthma. After overcoming certain barriers, an asthma education program was developed for the middle school students. The primary objective was to promote self-management of asthma and provide resources as needed. In addition, an asthma education program was presented to school personnel to enhance their ability to assist students with asthma and allergies in the school setting. Included in this article is an extensive list of resources about asthma.
Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents: What’s New?
Authors: Kolar Kathryn R. , Haynie Lisa , Wilkerson Robin , Fisher Wanda
Published: July 2008

As providers of care for children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), it is imperative that the school nurse is familiar both with the legal framework guiding protection of these students’ rights in school and with ongoing developments regarding management of this disorder. Federal legislation, designed to prevent discrimination and to allow children and adolescents with certain disabilities and chronic disorders such as Type 1 DM to fully participate in activities within the academic setting, is a major consideration for those providing care in schools. Understanding of recent developments and future trends in the management of Type 1 DM is essential for the school nurse to facilitate optimal care for students with this disorder. These consist of new types and activity of insulin preparations, alternative devices for insulin delivery, improvements in glucose monitoring, and changes in nutritional management along with upcoming developments in Type 1 DM management.
Consent and Confidentiality Issues Among School-Age Children and Adolescents
Authors: Dickey Susan B. , Kiefner Jeanne , Beidler Susan M.
Published: July 2008

This article supports the moral viewpoint that minors with decision-making capacity, regardless of their age, should be involved in their health care decisions. When clinical care proceeds without attention to a child’s emotional and developmental potential, the needs of a young person to be socialized to take care of his or her health care from an early age are not met. This is ethically irresponsible. Developing competence for informed consent decisions is associated with cognitive capacity. Explicit federal guidelines and laws exist for the inclusion of minors in research. By contrast, minors are often left out of participating in the health care decisions that may affect them for a lifetime in illness and wellness preservation. For day-to-day care, respect for children as increasingly autonomous individuals, members of families, and society is derived from the ethical principle of autonomy. The school nurse is often in a unique position to promote this professional behavior because most interactions are directly with the minor and without parental presence. In addition, the health office is a “safe” place where students can go for a variety of concerns. The school nurse must be concerned about ethical practice while staying within the limits of state and federal laws regarding minors’ consent to treatment and confidentiality.
A Support Group Intervention for At-Risk Female High School Students
Authors: Houck Gail M. , Darnell Susan , Lussman Sarah
Published: July 2008

School nurses have an opportunity to engage in early intervention with high-risk adolescents. School-based support groups for depressed adolescents have been effective when aimed at providing skills training as well as emotional support. In this practice improvement project, 14 high-risk female adolescents from two high schools were identified on the basis of signs associated with depression. The students completed a questionnaire about risk and protective factors during the assessment and at the end of the intervention. Twelve students participated in a weekly support group designed to enhance coping skills and to provide emotional support. Assessment revealed that the students were at suicide risk. At the conclusion of the group intervention, there was a 55% decrease in suicidal ideation, a 27% decrease in perceived stress, and a 26% decrease in family distress. In addition, most of the students became engaged in formal treatment for the first time.
School Injury Trends
Authors: Peterson Berit B.
Published: July 2008

This article presents data gathered between 1985 and 2000 from nine public schools in a Midwestern suburban school district. Data were compiled from routine documentation on health office logs and incident reports when students entered the health offices with a first-aid need. The purpose of the article is to demonstrate the value of the collection and analysis of injury data as a part of the school nurse’s role and provide some samples of injury data that can be used for comparison purposes. First aid is the most frequent reason to see the school nurse and is an important function. Student injuries can cause absenteeism that interferes with student academic success. Whether the school nurse delegates or directly provides first aid, it is important to collect and analyze information about school injuries to plan injury prevention strategies when appropriate.