Asthma knowledge, roles, functions, and educational needs of school nurses

In October 1997, 790 school nurses ill Maryland and the District of Columbi a were surveyed to determine their attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs about asthma. Results for 550 (70%) nurses indicated school nurses possess a gene rally appropriate level of knowledge concerning asthma, and most asthma myt hs have been,replaced with knowledge. However, school nurses also have vari ed responsibilities that affect their ability to provide health education a nd support services to children with asthma at school. Little time is avail able for a proactive role. Concerns about the criteria and follow-up for de legating medication administration within the school setting were reported A lack of communication existed with parents about the child's asthma. Open communication between school nurses and the family is recommended to estab lish a partnership and improve asthma management outcomes. In addition, sch ool policies and procedures should be updated to meet rile demands of child ren,vith asthma.