COVID-19 and health in children and adolescents in the US: A narrative systematic review.

In the United States, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated nationwide closures of kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) schools. Stay-at-home orders and social distancing mandates were also implemented to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the existing literature on how COVID-19 impacted K-12 students' eating patterns, physical activity, and sleep in the United States. Utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search was conducted between October and December 2021. Inclusion criteria were studies focused on COVID-19 and eating patterns, physical activity, and sleep in students enrolled in K-12 schools since March 2020. International studies were excluded. Mixed findings were observed for eating patterns whereby the consumption of unhealthful savory and sweet items and healthful snacks (e.g., fruit and vegetables) increased. Reductions in physical activity and disrupted sleep routines were also observed. Heterogeneity in methodological procedures may limit the generalizability of these findings. In the United States, preliminary data suggest that select health-promoting behaviors were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Given that prolonged unhealthful eating patterns, physical inactivity, and poor sleep contribute to chronic disease risk, initiatives that increase health-promoting behaviors are warranted.

School nurse and COVID-19 response.

The role of the school nurse should not be understated when addressing the Covid-19 pandemic and its effects on children and families. Knowledge surrounding this virus is rapidly changing and quick adaptation within the school system is required. In addition to the provision of direct care and education to students, school nurse responsibilities include the development and implementation of new policies; consideration of social and emotional well-being; and effective communication with students, families, teachers, administrators, and community stakeholders. This article addresses current evidence related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the evolving role of the school nurse. A case study incorporates tips and suggestions for school nurses who will deliver professional care during this COVID-19 crisis.

Introduction to the special issue: How COVID-19 has affected students' health, achievement, and mental health.

The worldwide pandemic caused by COVID-19 was an event that has left an indelible mark upon the people who lived through this period. This special issue of Psychology in the Schools is devoted to exploring the wide range of issues that children, families, and schools dealt with during the pandemic. The following topics are discussed: (1) an overview of how children were affected in both physical and psychological terms, (2) the range of problems that professionals working with youth during the pandemic had to address, (3) the special issues that impacted college-age students during the pandemic, and finally (4) the various factors that influenced the level of impact that COVID-19 had on children and their families.

The impact of COVID-19 on school-age children.

The paper examines the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on school-age children and their families. Changes to their daily lives were examined through the lens of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. An analysis of current literature was conducted examining the emerging research on the pandemic's effects on families. A case example is provided to offer a narrative snapshot of the many experiences faced by children and families throughout school closures and stay at home orders. The paper concludes with implications for providers and further research with special attention paid to the emergence of telehealth and implications for treatment.

Interprofessional Collaboration in School-Based Settings, Part 3: Implementation of IC Through Case Scenarios.

This article is the last in a series of three that discusses the importance of interprofessional collaboration (IC) between the school nurse and other school-based and community professionals and provides a succinct recap on the importance of IC along with illustrating how IC can successfully be implemented in the school setting through case scenarios. The case scenarios will depict how the school nurse works interprofessionally with school healthcare professionals, community healthcare professionals, and school staff to provide a comprehensive, collaborative approach.

Interprofessional Collaboration in School-Based Settings, Part 2: Team Members and Factors Contributing to Collaborative Success.

This article is the second in a series of three articles discussing the importance of interprofessional collaboration between the school nurse and other school-based and community professionals to create a healthcare team. Developing the healthcare team begins with identifying the individual medical, mental health, and educational needs of the student. Expertise in both education and healthcare systems makes school nurses ideal candidates for coordinating with the healthcare team to meet the needs of the student. This article builds on the first article by providing some examples of the collaboration that occurs between the school nurse and other team members, as well as identifying facilitators and barriers to this collaboration.

Interprofessional Collaboration in School-Based Settings Part 1: Definition and the Role of the School Nurse.

Interprofessional collaboration is an important approach in providing quality care to patients by healthcare professionals. Interprofessional collaboration is common in healthcare organizations such as hospitals and long-term healthcare facilities where each professional of the healthcare team contributes to the overall healthcare plan for the patient. But, little research or discussion how interprofessional collaboration is implemented within the school systems exist. This article looks at interprofessional collaboration within the schools and how the school nurse can facilitate collaboration among healthcare and education professionals to ultimately benefit students. This first article, in a series of three, will define and discuss frameworks and models of interprofessional collaboration.

School Nurses' Roles in Preparing Special Needs Students for Active School Shootings.

The occurrence of mass shootings in U.S. public schools is increasing. For this reason, schools have begun expanding their awareness and preparation for these crises. However, in most preparation strategies, students with disabilities are not accounted for, which leaves an already vulnerable population at further risk. Due to their expertise in working with students with diverse needs and promoting health and safety in schools, school nurses are the ideal persons to lead the discussion about safety deficits when it comes to school shootings and students with special needs. This article provides a rationale for school nurses taking leadership roles in creating school shooting policies as well as provides guidelines for how nurses can work collaboratively to keep students with disabilities safe.

Practical Considerations for School Nurses in Improving the Nutrition of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Children with autism spectrum disorder may exhibit issues with food selectivity and/or picky eating habits. Symptoms of autism such as sensory sensitivity contribute to why these children refuse to eat food, but medications, food intolerance, and even financial status can cause this issue to become concerning to a student's overall health. School nurses are imperative in the health care of children with autism spectrum disorder and must understand why food selectivity occurs in order to maintain or improve the nutrition status of their students. This article provides an overview of food selectivity and where it stems from as well as 10 tips in working with food selective children.

School Nurses Increasing the Compliance of Hygiene Routines for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

School nurses are essential healthcare providers to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In providing this care, school nurses may need to accommodate the unique challenges that children with ASD may face, including but not limited to sensory sensitivities, communicative and social difficulties, difficulties remembering event sequencing and directions, and poor time management skills. The aim of this article is to provide school nurses and healthcare providers evidence-based interventions and strategies that they may use to increase the compliance of hygiene behaviors and routines for children with ASD.

Increasing Nursing Students' Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder by Using a Standardized Patient.

Nursing students participated in a simulation using a standardized patient role-playing an adolescent with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The researchers used student feedback to develop and improve a simulation aimed at increasing learner skills and knowledge for treating ASD patients. Students indicated that the standardized patient provided realism not obtained when using static manikins or high-fidelity simulators. Students strongly agreed or agreed that classroom instruction prior to the simulation was important to increasing their knowledge of ASD. Overall, the simulation provided students an opportunity to practice and develop their clinical skills in caring for patients with ASD.

Non-Bachelor of Science in Nursing Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Registered Nurse: A Change in Critical Thinking.

With recommendations from national nursing associations and accrediting bodies to transition to an all baccalaureate prepared nurse workforce by 2020, it is important to understand the expertise that a baccalaureate degreed nurse brings to patient care. The purpose of this article is to establish the differences of a non-bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) registered nurse and a 4-year prepared nurse, as well as to identify the education and clinical trends in critical care that require a BSN-prepared nurse. The history of associate degree and diploma degree nurses is admirable and served a purpose serving up to and post World War II. In more recent years, particularly in critical care, as health care is becoming more complex, extension of technology, and pay-for-performance issues are tied to patient outcomes, it is essential the non-BSN registered nurses return to continue their education earning a BSN degree.

Treat students as potential employees.

In today's complex, chaotic, and rapidly changing healthcare environment, a newly registered nurse will face many obstacles on the journey into a professional role.

Strategies for Pursuing a Master's Degree.

Health care has become very complex and is in a constant state of change. As a result of the evolving change and increasing complexity, a more educated nursing workforce is needed (Dracup K. Master's nursing programs. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. 2015; Institute of Medicine. The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. 2010). It is now becoming necessary for registered nurses to earn an advanced degree to work at the highest level of their practice authority (Dracup K. Master's nursing programs. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. 2015; Institute of Medicine. The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. 2010.). Preparing to reenter college may be an overwhelming prospect for some registered nurses seeking an advanced degree. However, there are some simple strategies that may help sort out the many degree options, financial obligations, decisions about brick and mortar versus online learning, commitment to degree completion, and changing career paths. This article will provide the registered nurse valuable information that will assist in the exciting process of returning to college.

Nurses Identify Education and Communication Among Professionals as Essential in Serving ASD Children.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a broad term encompassing a group of neurodevelopmental disabilities. Children with ASD present behavioral, communication, and social behaviors. One in 68 individuals is diagnosed with autism. With ASD prevalence continuing to rise, it makes sense for school nurses to identify areas that may be helpful in serving this population. This school nurse focus group study shared specific areas that would benefit school nurses when working with children with autism. Two glaring trends surfaced from the focus group--continuing education needs and communication among all school professionals (i.e., teachers, special education services).