Nursing Support of a Family
A family of a child with a special education-qualifying disability may go through a range of responses and reactions, including disbelief, anger, frustration, guilt, and grief. These feelings are normal and part of the process of coming to terms with a child’s disability. A school nurse needs to support the family in their journey towards resiliency.
The nurse can inform the family about their child’s disability and connect them with community resources to provide additional support (Jouffroy & Vivien, 2021). The nurse can also offer emotional support and encouragement as the family adjusts to their new reality (Dempsey et al., 2020). Encouraging open communication, providing a safe and non-judgmental space for the family to express their feelings, and acknowledging their challenges can also help the family progress toward resiliency. Helping the family find positive coping strategies and promoting self-care can also contribute to their overall well-being and resiliency.
School Nursing Advocacy
The school nurse can also play an important role in advocating for the child and ensuring they receive appropriate educational and medical services. This support can involve working closely with the school’s special education team, coordinating with medical providers, and helping the family navigate the complex maze of special education laws and regulations (Jouffroy & Vivien, 2021). The nurse can also provide information and support to the child, helping them understand their disability and the available resources.
Furthermore, the nurse can advocate for inclusion and help promote a positive and inclusive school environment for all children, including those with special needs (Dempsey et al., 2020). By providing holistic support to the family, the school nurse can play an important role in helping the family progress towards resiliency. The goal of the school nurse is to empower the family to become self-sufficient and to help them build a strong support network that can provide ongoing support for the child and the family.
References
Dempsey, A. G., Goode, R. H., Colon, M. T., Holubeck, P., Nsier, H., Zopatti, K., & Needelman, H. (2020). Variations in Criteria for Eligibility Determination for Early Intervention Services with a Focus on Eligibility for Children with Neonatal Complications. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 41(8), 646–655. Web.
Jouffroy, R., & Vivien, B. (2021). Effectiveness of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Eligibility determination is essential. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine. Web.