Priority Setting for Enhancing School Nursing Practices Using the Borich Needs Assessment and the Locus for Focus Model

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the gap between current practices and perceived importance of school nursing services among South Korean school nurses and identify educational priorities to enhance these services. DESIGN: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using the Korean version of the Scope of School Nursing Practice Tool (K-SSNPT). SAMPLE: The study included 360 school nurses currently working in elementary, middle, and high schools across South Korea. METHOD: Participants completed a self-reported questionnaire measuring their perceptions of the importance and current practices on 24 items of the K-SSNPT. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t tests, and the Borich needs assessment and the Locus for Focus model to prioritize educational needs. RESULTS: The gap between current practice and perceived importance was observed in 23 out of 24 items (p < 0.05). The top-priority educational items included "Monitor student health plans to determine progress and identify interventions that may need to be changed," "Regularly review student data to identify trends" within the using the nursing process dimension, and "Stay current on legislation related to school nursing" within the connecting with the community dimension. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the need for targeted educational programs to enhance school nurses' competencies, particularly in applying the nursing process, fostering collaboration with community, and staying up to date with legislation related to school nursing. These results provide a foundation for developing comprehensive educational programs to improve school health services.