Mental health challenges among schoolchildren are a growing concern globally. A recent qualitative study from Sweden, titled "How School Nurses Experience Their Work with Schoolchildren Who Have Mental Illness – A Qualitative Study in a Swedish Context," provides valuable insights that can enhance the practices of school nurses worldwide. This blog explores key findings from the study and offers practical tips for school nurses to improve their support for students with mental health issues.
Key Findings
The study involved individual interviews with ten school nurses, revealing various tools and strategies they employ when working with schoolchildren experiencing mental illness. These tools include:
- Regular health talks
- Motivational interviewing
- Individual and family counseling
- Building trust and affirming the child's confidence
Health Talks
Health talks emerged as a critical tool for school nurses. Using visual aids like "bear cards" helped children express their emotions more effectively. Nurses can adopt similar strategies by incorporating visual tools to facilitate open discussions about feelings and mental health.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing was another effective technique. It focuses on encouraging positive lifestyle changes and fostering a healthy mindset. School nurses can benefit from training in motivational interviewing to better support students in making beneficial life choices.
Individual and Family Counseling
The study highlighted the importance of involving families in the counseling process. Engaging parents and guardians ensures a holistic approach to the child's mental health. School nurses should strive to include family counseling sessions as part of their regular practice.
Building Trust
Creating a trusting environment is essential. The study found that children are more likely to open up about their issues when they feel safe and supported. School nurses should focus on building strong, trusting relationships with their students.
Implementing These Findings
School nurses can implement these findings by:
- Incorporating visual aids in health talks to help children articulate their feelings.
- Receiving training in motivational interviewing techniques.
- Involving families in counseling sessions to address mental health issues comprehensively.
- Fostering a supportive and trusting environment for students.
Encouraging Further Research
The study concludes that more research is needed to understand schoolchildren's experiences of receiving support from school nurses. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in or conduct further research to continue improving mental health support in schools. To read the original research paper, please follow this link:
How School Nurses Experience Their Work with Schoolchildren Who Have Mental Illness – A Qualitative Study in a Swedish Context.
