The relation between school nurses’ professional role, jurisdictions and health promotion in Finnish compulsory schools: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: School nurses are a vital part of school healthcare; however, research on the experiences of the profession in relation to health promotion is limited. A deeper understanding of school nurses’ professional remits could uncover new approaches to school-based health promotion – with implications for student healthcare services. Aim: This study explored school nurses’ experiences regarding their professional role and responsibilities in relation to health promotion in Finnish compulsory school settings. Methods: Adopting a qualitative design, 13 school nurses from Finland were interviewed. Data analysis followed qualitative content analysis, progressing from manifest to latent content, explored through Abbott’s theory of system of professions. Results: The main categories: The practical application of laws and regulations shaping preventative actions; Societal changes and resources demanding continuous adaptation; School nurses providing accessible, holistic support and health promotion; and Individual autonomy, interests and visions influencing the work, pinpoint the school nurses’ experiences regarding their jurisdictions related to health promotion, impacting the school nursing services. Conclusion: School nurses’ jurisdictions in health promotion are shaped across legal, workplace and public arenas. An additional individual-level arena was found, where ethics guide practice. Structural constraints require school nurses to adapt as demands extend beyond traditional boundaries to meet students’ needs.