British Journal of School Nursing

doi: 10.12968/bjsn.2010.5.9.79765pmid: N/A

It is not always easy to remain positive in the current climate but every now and then a story appears in the media putting school nursing in a positive light and bringing along some much needed optimism as to the public perception of the school health service

doi: 10.12968/bjsn.2010.5.9.79773pmid: N/A

‘All of you here—health visitors, nursery nurses, school nurses—represent something very special’ delegates were told by the under secretary of state for public health, Anne Milton, at the Unite/CPHVA annual conference in Harrogate on October 21.

Weaver, Anne

doi: 10.12968/bjsn.2010.5.9.79766pmid: N/A

Anne Weaver provides a brief introduction to the new guidelines on nocturnal enuresis and explains how these can help guide school nurses in practice.

Gallagher, Gill

doi: 10.12968/bjsn.2010.5.9.79772pmid: N/A

Gill Gallagher explains the impact epilepsy can have on the school life of pupils with the condition, and how school nurses can help them by ensuring schools are better equipped to respond to these pupils’ needs and employees are adequately trained.

Edwards, Sarah Matthes

doi: 10.12968/bjsn.2010.5.9.79779pmid: N/A

Currently, a total of 6% of 11–15-year-olds regularly smoke, which shows a substantial decrease since 1997 when prevalence stood at 13%.There is still much to do to bring the level further down and it is important that comprehensive approaches to tobacco control are not disinvested in, as this could result in the smoking rates going up again.This article will briefly reflect on the importance of cessation as part of the wider tobacco control interventions aimed at young people.

Maitland, Elizabeth; Cuthbert, Judith

doi: 10.12968/bjsn.2010.5.9.79771pmid: N/A

This is the third and final article of a series on meningitis. It provides information on the recovery process, and looks at the possible after-effects and complications that may occur as well as the impact these can have on educational achievement and social life in a child. Some after-effects will be immediately apparent, while others may be slow to materialize.It will also offer practical information, which school nurses can give to teachers, school employees and families, on how they can support those affected by meningitis.School nurses are highly skilled health professionals and can provide an essential link between the school, home and community by supporting children who have experienced meningitis through recovery and rehabilitation.

George, Mary

doi: 10.12968/bjsn.2010.5.9.79767pmid: N/A

Many people accross the UK are affected by eating disorders. Recent data shows that children account for more than one in three hospital stays for eating disorders. School nurses can play an important role in early diagnosis and prevention.

Miller, Kathryn; Coverdale, Gill

doi: 10.12968/bjsn.2010.5.9.79780pmid: N/A

Primary prevention programmes are recommended for eating disorders as they are debilitating, time-consuming to treat and in some cases fatal. However, current methods have found limited success. Research suggests this is because of both teaching content and teaching style. The aim of this research was to explore the views of adolescent girls on the content and teaching style of primary prevention programmes for eating disorders. A convenience sample of 22 female participants aged 10–14 took part in this qualitative research project, using focus groups and interactive tasks to collect the data. Framework analysis using the framework model developed by Ritchie and Spencer (1994) was used to analyse results. Findings revealed that participants had a basic knowledge of eating disorders and their predisposing risk factors, including the negative impact that the media has on body image. Key recommendations include: improving information sources for young people on eating disorders, practical advice on healthy lifestyles and how to help someone who has an eating disorder and a range of teaching strategies, including effective use of the media to deliver the messages.

Weston, Frances

doi: 10.12968/bjsn.2010.5.9.79768pmid: N/A

In this article, part of a series on different mental health issues affecting children and young people and counselling, Frances Weston looks at different forms of depression, and signs and symptoms.

doi: 10.12968/bjsn.2010.5.9.79769pmid: N/A

I am wondering whether anyone is clear about the position of school nursing in relation to academies and free schools? Is this affecting opportunities for practice (e.g. are acadamies able to top-up the generic service and commission services)? Should we be proactively approaching them regarding school nursing services? I would very much welcome peoples’ thoughts.