This module will explore how school nursing in rural areas of the state differs from what is seen in more urban areas. It will focus on the socioeconomic, ethnic, and health disparities seen in rural schools. Also addressed will be issues related to staffing, EMS availability, and proximity to health care services.
Dr. Alice M. Burch, DNP, RN
Dr. Burch is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Adams State University. While teaching in the Nursing Department at Adams State, she taught Rural/Community health, drawing upon 24+ years of experience in Community and School nursing. Her doctoral project was a qualitative study of School Nurse experiences in Rural Colorado. She has a deep passion for school nurses and for health care in rural Colorado.
Learning Objectives
After completion of this module, the student will be able to:
- Differentiate between various aspects of health status related to rural vs. urban school students.
- Identify the importance of rural school nurses in the health of K-12 students in Colorado.
- Describe at least 3 disparities of students in rural areas that effect the health of students in Colorado.
- Discuss barriers faced by school nurses in rural areas as well as possible solutions to overcome these barriers.
- Apply primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention related to rural school nursing.