The relation between school nurses' professional role, jurisdictions and health promotion in Finnish compulsory schools: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND

School nurses are a vital part of school healthcare; however, research on the experiences of the profession in relation to health promotion is limited. A deeper understanding of school nurses' professional remits could uncover new approaches to school-based health promotion - with implications for student healthcare services.

AIM: This study explored school nurses' experiences regarding their professional role and responsibilities in relation to health promotion in Finnish compulsory school settings.

METHODS

Adopting a qualitative design, 13 school nurses from Finland were interviewed. Data analysis followed qualitative content analysis, progressing from manifest to latent content, explored through Abbott's theory of system of professions.

RESULTS

The main categories: The practical application of laws and regulations shaping preventative actions; Societal changes and resources demanding continuous adaptation; School nurses providing accessible, holistic support and health promotion; and Individual autonomy, interests and visions influencing the work, pinpoint the school nurses' experiences regarding their jurisdictions related to health promotion, impacting the school nursing services.

CONCLUSION

School nurses' jurisdictions in health promotion are shaped across legal, workplace and public arenas. An additional individual-level arena was found, where ethics guide practice. Structural constraints require school nurses to adapt as demands extend beyond traditional boundaries to meet students' needs.