Different expectations can lead to confusion about the school nurse’s role

Aim: To gain qualitative information on the perceptions and expectations of the school nurse’s role in Scotland. Method: Information was gathered using a short questionnaire aimed at educationalists, health professionals and families. Data were analysed using role theory. Results: The results indicate that the reference groups had very different expectations of school nurses. Conclusions: Communication between the reference groups concerning interpretation and implementation of new professional guidelines on health and education services is a difficult and contentious issue and there is a pressing need for more clarity over the role of school nurses and efforts to increase public understanding of this role. Recommendations are made for future investigation and research.