A School Nurse Competency Framework for Continuing Education

Background: This study develops a school nurse competency framework for continuing education based on focus group interviews and a literature review. Methods: This study uses a qualitative content analysis with 12 school nurses. Six school nurses verify the content validity for the competency framework for continuing education using the content validity index. Results: School nurse competencies are defined as the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required of school nurses to provide safe school nursing. Six core competencies are identified. These include the ability to (1) provide patient-centered care; (2) communicate and collaborate with students, teaching staff, and community resources; (3) think critically for evidence-based practice; (4) implement school health services and programs; (5) integrate legal and ethical nursing practice, and (6) conduct health education. Conclusion: It is necessary to develop and implement continuing education programs for school nurses based on the training needs and competency indicators identified in this study.