School nurses' perceptions of and experience with school health research

This survey examined school nurses' perceptions of and experience with scho ol health research . A random sample of school nurses who were either membe rs of the school nurse section of the American School Health Association (A SHA) or members of the,National Association of School Nurses (NASN) compris ed the sample (n = 590). The response rate war 81%; the nurses were ail fem ales. A plurality held masters degrees (40%) and had worked an average of 1 2.0 years as a school nurse. Most (67%) n were employed at the elementary s chool level. Slight!, more than one-third (37%) had ever been involved in a research study. as a school nurse Perceived barriers to engaging in resear ch were lack of time, clerical help, and money, perceived benefits of schoo l nurses engaging in research were: adds new knowledge edge on school nursi ng issues 97% benefits the health care of children at school (93%), and hel ps peers do their job better(86%). School nurses also indicated they would become,ne involved in research if someone,re would assist them (78%).