SOCIAL REPRESENTATION OF THE SCHOOL NURSE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF NURSING PROFESSIONALS IN PEREIRA, RISARALDA 2024

Abstract

Introduction: This study is part of the School Nursing Pilot Project of the National Association of Nurses of Colombia (ANEC) Risaralda section and explores the social representation of the school nurse from the perspective of nursing professionals in Pereira, Risaralda. Throughout history, the image of nurses has been shaped by the perception of society, paying special attention to professional recognition and the evolution of their public image. The study focuses on how the school nurse is perceived, especially in the educational environment, where her role goes beyond clinical care, encompassing the promotion of a safe and healthy environment. Objective To interpret the social representation of the school nurse from the perspective of nursing professionals in Pereira, Risaralda, in order to understand how they conceive their role, functions and challenges in the school context.

Methodology: Qualitative exploratory study through semi-structured interviews and focus groups with their corresponding analysis. The interview was structured according to the sociodemographic profile of the population under study and in five dimensions: 1. Direct experiences as school nurses, 2. Knowledge and beliefs about the role of the school nurse. 3. Social representations and stereotypes. 4. Importance of the school nurse in the educational community. 5. Expectations of nursing professionals. Results: The study included the participation of 11 professionals and 4 nursing students, divided into 3 groups: 6 teachers from the nursing program (two of them also in IPS), 4 social nurses from ANEC Risaralda and 4 third semester nursing students, all of different ages and work experience. The largest number (8) was between 36 and 45 years old, two people were between 59 and 65 years old and five people were between 20 and 25 years old.

Conclusions: School nurses talk about humanizing nursing practice, emphasizing the individualization of care, commitment, responsibility, and research in families and their sociocultural environment.