School Nursing and Schoolyard Gardening: A Tale of Mutual Symbiosis

Working within NASN's <i>School Nursing Practice Framework</i>, this author proposes schoolyard gardening as an action oriented approach found in the "Leadership" principle of the Framework. Leadership references "activities related to the mind-set of leadership, not a position." The author suggests that schoolyard gardening is an emerging topic with student health being the desired outcome, as well as, proposing a schoolyard garden is needed in every school. A basic overview of School Nurse Certification in New Jersey is shared along with a 15 year outline of an award-winning schoolyard garden and how a schoolyard garden relates to wellness and teaching health within the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.