School Nurses and Student Academic Outcomes: An Integrative Review

Abstract

The empirical evidence from previous studies has demonstrated that school nurses are effective in assisting children and families to address health concerns, reduce absenteeism, and provide children with the opportunity to reach their potential academically. Impoverished children and those with disabilities and chronic illness are at risk of school failure. An integrative review was undertaken to critique the research between 2002 and 2018 that addressed the influence of school nurses on academic outcomes such as absenteeism, missed class time, grades, and test scores. The findings of the review suggest that the presence of a school nurse is associated with reduced absenteeism and missed class time but not with academic achievement. Overall, the research in this area is weak and future research using more rigorous study designs, examining broader school nurse roles, and long-term academic outcomes is indicated to evaluate the impact of school nurses on educational outcomes.

Keywords: absenteeism; academic achievement; educational outcomes; school nurse; school nursing.