Chapter 17: School Health Nursing

School Health Nursing begins by tracing the historical trajectory of nursing roles, which have matured from early 20th-century focuses on communicable disease control into modern, multifaceted practices rooted in population health and health equity. A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to reframing our conceptualization of children; rather than viewing them as passive or immature subjects, the text advocates for a rights-based approach that acknowledges young people as active citizens capable of meaningful participation in health decisions, aligning with international standards like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Through the lens of social determinants, the chapter examines how systemic factors such as poverty, food insecurity, and social exclusion disproportionately impact marginalized groups, including Indigenous youth, newcomers, and students with disabilities. It addresses pressing health issues like bullying, unintentional injuries, weight preoccupation, and the complexities of adolescent risk-taking, particularly regarding sexual health and the evolving legal landscape of cannabis use. The Comprehensive School Health (CSH) model is presented as a foundational framework, emphasizing four interrelated pillars: the social and physical environment, teaching and learning, healthy policy development, and the integration of community partnerships and services. Additionally, the Indigenous School Health Framework highlights the necessity of cultural safety, reconciliation, and community-led strengths in nursing practice. Public health nurses are depicted as essential leaders who operate as consultants, advocates, and facilitators to promote positive mental health, resilience, and systemic change within school boards and their broader communities. By addressing root causes of distress and focusing on the strengths of the school population, nurses aim to ensure that all students have an equitable opportunity to flourish academically and personally.