Background: Children with chronic and medically complex conditions require ongoing support in school settings, yet access to school nursing resources varies widely. This study examines school nurses’ experiences supporting these students and differences across school contexts.Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A structured search of CINAHL, PubMed, and ERIC identified peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025. Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria and were analyzed using thematic synthesis.Results: Five themes emerged: structural barriers, communication and care coordination challenges, individual nurse factors, nurse-led interventions, and contextual differences across school settings. Structural barriers, including high caseloads and limited resources, were most common. Nurse-led interventions, particularly in asthma management, improved student outcomes. Rural and underserved settings faced greater challenges related to staffing and infrastructure.Conclusion: School nurses play a critical role in managing chronic conditions in schools, but their effectiveness is shaped by systemic and contextual factors. Addressing disparities in staffing, resources, and care coordination is essential to improving equitable student health outcomes. Keywords: school nursing, chronic conditions, medically complex children, rural health, care coordination, health disparities
Emily Vitale (2026) studied this question.