I started my nursing career as a learning disability nurse 20 years ago. I loved my job and I felt honoured to work with and support such wonderful people. However, maybe I was naïve, but I was also saddened how people with learning disabilities were discriminated against in many areas but especially in health care. Thankfully this is improving for people with learning disabilities now with the help of legislation and more general awareness, but inequalities still exist, which I have since realised exist for many people in society.
After 10 years as a learning disability nurse I moved into school nursing where I was equally troubled at the inequalities children and young people face. Deprivation was on my doorstep and I hadn't noticed. I had the opportunity to complete the Specialist Community Public Health Nursing Degree, which I loved but highlighted to me more than ever the injustice for children, young people and families.
School nurses are in such a privileged position to try and help reduce inequalities and to promote health, it would just help if there was more of us!
Not to be disheartened, as a school nurse we often underestimate the positive changes we actually do make, which are many. A highlight for me as a school nurse was always the ‘drop ins’. Being able to listen and support young people was such a privilege. Young people trust nurses and talk openly—this cannot be underestimated. Just by listening and giving a young person time, nurses can make a huge difference; which is exactly why school nursing is an essential service.
Not only do we support young people with emotional health, we immunise, we promote health, we teach health. In fact, this sounds familiar. School nurses happen to be the very essence of ‘All Our Health’ (Public Health England, 2019): prevent illness, protect health and promote wellbeing.
As a school nurse a safeguarding caseload can unfortunately be overwhelming, it was for me. I was naively thankful when some of my child protection children became ‘looked after’ as I thought at least they are safe. Now as a looked after children's nurse I realise a lot of these young people are not ‘looked after’ after all and yet again I am face to face with inequalities (a theme that has followed me throughout my career).
Thankfully there are some amazing foster carers out there doing a great job and that is so positive for many of our young people, but there are also a lot of placements and residential homes that will not provide a positive experience at all. Children and young people in care have already been through so much in their short lives, neglect, bereavement, abuse… we need to love and nurture these children and young people. School nurses are often one of the few consistencies in a looked after child's life. What a privilege!
Finally, Lemn Sissay is a poet and author of the book ‘My Name is Why’. It is an insightful journey into the life of a young boy in care, Lemn himself. I recommend reading one of his poems, Making a Difference, which opens with:
‘We are shaking and waking and breaking indifference ‘We are quaking and taking and making a difference’
The poem was written and performed for The University of Manchester's (2018) annual Making a Difference Awards but could also apply to school nurses.
‘Young people trust nurses and talk openly—this cannot be underestimated. Just by listening and giving a young person time can make a huge difference; which is exactly why school nursing is an essential service.’
FURTHER INFORMATION
The poem Making a Difference by Lemn Sissay can be read at: https://bit.ly/39sZ9AA