Nurses and Health Promotion in Schools
The Nurses in Catholic Secondary Schools network was established by CEOM in 2002 to support the work of Division 1 nurses employed at 17 schools across Melbourne. The nurses work under the leadership of the Principal within the ethos and mission statement of the school. The intent of their role is to work within a whole school framework to promote health, wellbeing and primary prevention. In addition to the core work of caring for the immediate health needs, nurses in Catholic secondary schools aim to strategically reduce health risks for students and promote better health in the wider community of staff, parents and families.
The nurses play a contributing role as part of the school's structures and protocols in promoting positive health outcomes and in reducing risk taking behaviour among young people including drug and alcohol abuse, tobacco use, eating disorders, obesity, depression, self harm and injuries. They establish collaborative working relationships with administration, teaching and support staff to contribute to the development of policy, curriculum and support services in schools and develop an annual outcome Action Plan that identifies a strategic approach to health promotion in accordance with the school management plan and local government Health Promotion Plan.
Although there is a focus on health promotion activities and information at the classroom level, the nurses also share good practice and their medical knowledge and expertise in the wider community of staff and parents. They consult with and advise school administration on the formulation of health policies and practices within the school community.
The network is an opportunity for nurses to meet, exchange ideas and receive support from the Catholic Education Office Melbourne's Student Wellbeing team in working with the primary health needs of students. The nurses meet each term and the professional learning activities that have taken place include sessions on mental health, confidentiality and student absenteeism.
