Administrative Insights Administrative Insights Beth Roder, MA, RN JoAnne Thompson, M.S., RN, a school nurse in Roseau, MN, discusses the urgent problem of mental health services for adolescents in rural areas and gives suggestions for ways the rural nurse can deal with them. The acceptability and availability of mental health services for the adolescent population is at crisis levels in northern Minnesota and North Dakota. Resiliency research has provided some cues to improve future orientation, active skill acquisitions, and positive risk taking behaviors. Professionals can assist by always seeking the positive behaviors and reinforcing whenever possible.
Mentors are critical for all adolescents.
Most adolescents make excellent mentors themselves if structured to enhance their positive attributes. Transportation is an issue with the isolated adolescent. Youth directors or parish workers would increase attendance if transportation is provided. Schools need to provide opportunities for transitions to work or post-secondary endeavors. Schools also need to offer a variety of activities for non-competitive activities.