Recommending that School Nurses Provide Mental Health Screenings to Students

Childhood mental health issues not being identified early, caused by a lack of knowledge and awareness in childhood mental health, can lead to lifelong debilitating issues. The Center for Disease Control states, “Mental disorders among children are described as serious changes in the way children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions, which cause distress and problems getting through the day” (CDC 2020). These issues can lead to negative self-worth, a lack of ambition, thoughts of self-harm, aggression towards others, and suicidal ideations. Studies have even shown that, “Half of adults with mental health disorders report or have been shown to have experienced symptoms by age 14” (Bartlett). Early identification is essential to effective treatment. Educating school nurses, who already have some knowledge of signs and symptoms of altered mental health, to better identify signs in the pediatric population would have a positive impact on mental health outcomes in the future. It is important for a school nurse understand and screen for these issues, as they are happening in every school and can easily be overlooked, underplayed, or ignored in a busy environment. A school nurse is the only healthcare provider on scene almost every day of the child\u27s school career. They have the opportunity to gain their trust, promote mental wellness, and offer support