The impact of SCPHN training on school nurses' perceptions of their role

Abstract

Aim: To gain qualitative information about the perceptions of school nurses on their role after undertaking the Specialist Community Public Health Nurse programme. Method: The chosen sample was Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) school nurses who had worked as school nurses prior to undertaking the programme. Information was gathered from semi-structured telephone interviews. Data were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis. Results: The results indicate that SCPHN school nurses' perceptions of their role change after undertaking the SCPHN programme and this is closely related to their work in practice. Public health and leadership are identified as key influences on change, leading to a more confident and proactive approach. Conclusions: Undertaking the SCPHN programme has a significant impact on school nurse perspectives of their role, leading to changed ways of working. It is argued that this will have a positive impact on service improvement. Recommendations are made for the requirement that school nurses hold a SCPHN qualification before practising in a senior school nurse role.