Bridging cultures for Latino children: school nurse and advanced practice nurse partnerships

Abstract

Topic: Barriers to use of mental health services by Latino families include stigma, service costs, and disparity of services with cultural values and traditions. School nurses are in key positions to recognize mental health needs of Latino children and form relationships that facilitate family connections with mental health services. Advanced practice psychiatric nurses may be contracted by school districts to provide consultation to school nurses or may be available to school nurses through connections with school-based health centers. Case examples are provided to illustrate the value of school nurse consultation with an advanced practice psychiatric nurse in promoting awareness of cultural influences on children's symptoms and behaviors and developing culturally sensitive approaches to engage Latino children and families in school and health services.

Purpose: This paper aims to review literature on Latino mental health and present rationale for school nurse and advanced practice nurse partnerships to promote culturally sensitive approaches that facilitate Latino family access and utilization of health services.

Sources: Published literature and case scenarios.

Conclusions: With advanced practice nurse consultation, school nurses identify mental health needs of Latino children and develop culturally sensitive approaches that bridge Latino families' access to and utilization of health services.