School nurses are in a position to recognize the potential impact mental health and illness have on a student s development and thus can act as strong advocates for child mental health in the political and public arena, including early intervention for the pre-school population. Mental illness has been identified as a barrier to learning, and the school nurse role is to support student success. School nurses can provide mental health promotion activities within the school community to address developing self-esteem and positive coping skills. School nurses are a trusted source of information and support and so can help families acknowledge and work through the difficult issues of mental health and illness. The school nurse is often the contact within the school for a family and can help assess a family s ability and willingness to seek services and treatment for a child at risk.
School nurses are respected members of the community and have knowledge of community resources.
School nurses can, therefore, be the liaison between community mental health providers, the family and school personnel. School nurses as health care providers have the expertise and communication skills to identify potential mental health issues, provide education and counseling, help families and students access needed services and monitor continued treatment and follow-up. School nurses can act as catalysts to promote the planning and implementation of programs to promote positive mental health. Successful programs ensure that the school community subscribes to the belief that all children are valued and have self-worth. A strong school-wide program is needed to teach students necessary skills and expectations within the school community.