AN ADULT AND HIGHER EDUCATION PERSPECTIVE OF EDUCATIONAL ORIENTATION NEEDS FOR SCHOOL NURSES (ADULT EDUCATION).
Contributors: University of South Dakota.
Published: 1993
Number of pages: 161
Subjects: Education, Adult and Continuing.; Health Sciences, Nursing.; Health Sciences, Education.
Description: The focus of this investigative study was the identification of the perceived educational needs of school nurses in an orientation program. A qualitative case study approach was taken to identify educational needs as related to three specific school nursing areas, including; nursing skills, health issues and problems, and role responsibilities.

Chosen to represent diversity, seven school nurses from the upper midwest were asked to share their perceptions on educational needs of school nurses. Personal interviews, which were audio-taped, was the data collection process for this study. An interview guide was developed by the researcher which asked school nurses to identify How important a certain educational need was and Why. Both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered.

Data were analyzed using a descriptive research process. Responses to each interview item were tabulated and displayed in tables. Qualitative data were transcribed and analyzed for themes and patterns.

School nurses agreed that specific school nursing skills, health issues and problems, and role responsibilities were very important to the mission of a school nurse and should be included in an orientation program. Educational needs identified as very important included: organizational skills, communication skills, CPR, health screenings, assessment and reporting of child abuse and neglect, a knowledge base regarding communicable diseases, child advocacy, and resource responsibilities. Common themes about the school nurses were identified from the qualitative data and included the limitations of time, the importance of being on "the front line" of health care for school-age children, and the importance of being approachable and a resource for others.

As a result of findings from this study, a core orientation curriculum was identified. The utilization of a core curriculum would establish orientation consistency and continuity for school nurses; with the option of additional items available to meet the needs of the individual school nurse and school. Additional research on educational needs and orientation programs for school nurses is recommended.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 54-04, Section: A, page: 1196.

Thesis (ED.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA, 1993.

School code: 0203.