School nursing documentation: knowledge, attitude, and barriers to using standardized nursing languages and current practices

• Main Author: Yearous, Sharon Kay Guthrie
• Other Authors: McCarthy, Ann Marie
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of Iowa 2011
• Subjects: diffusion of innovation (DOI); documentation; NANDA; NIC; NOC; school health; school nurse; standardized nursing language; Nursing
• Online Access: https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/3411; https://ir.uiowa.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3356&context=etd

The independent, complex role of a school nurse requires accurate documentation of assessments, interventions, and outcomes. Consistent documentation by all school nurses is crucial to study the impact of nursing interventions on children's health and success in school. While standardized nursing languages are available, the actual use of these languages is in the infancy stages of implementation. This national survey of school nurses reveals diverse practices in school nursing documentation. Using Everett Rogers' (2003) Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory, a web-based survey allowed respondents to identify their knowledge and attitude towards the use of standardized languages, including NANDA International (NANDA-I), Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC), and Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC). Respondents also rated barriers to adopting the use of NANDA-I, NIC, and NOC (NNN). The results of this survey serve as a foundation for moving the practice of school nursing towards consistent documentation. Ultimately, the implementation of NNN will allow school nurses to document more consistently, base practice decisions on evidence, and improve the health and academic success of children in schools.