Methods: Reflective journals completed after clinical experiences in school health served as a data source for this qualitative study. Thirty-eight students enrolled in the pediatric nursing course during calendar year 2018 were invited to participate; all consented.
Results: Following content analysis of the 38 reflective journals using NVIVO software, three themes and two sub-themes were identified. Major themes included: benefits of the clinical experience, suggestions for improvement, and an appreciation for the school nurse role with subthemes of greater responsibility than anticipated and complexities of the role. Implications for nursing education include continuing to incorporate school health clinical experiences in the pediatric curriculum, as well as planning for student experiences in at least two different school levels (e.g. elementary and high school). Additionally, coordinating experiences in school health with diversity of student culture, socioeconomic status, and access to care is another priority.
Conclusion: The school health clinical experiences have the power to change the lives of students and children. School health clinical experiences allow nursing students to interact with children with broader range of ages, abilities, and health statuses compared to strictly hospital-based clinicals. School health experiences also allow nursing students to preview a professional pathway they may otherwise never be exposed to. Such experiences may motivate students to pursue careers in school health, which will ultimately benefit children and school community, as compassionate and professional nursing care is needed in the school setting.