School administrators’ perceptions of school health nursing

This study aims to determine school administrators’ general perceptions and awareness of duties regarding the roles and responsibilities of school health nurses. This descriptive study is conducted with 225 school administrators working in public primary, middle, and high schools in the central district of Sivas during the 2024–2025 academic year. Data are collected between March 1, 2024, and June 1, 2024, using the Personal Information Form, the School Administrators’ Perceptions of School Health Nursing Practices Form, and the School Administrators’ Awareness of Duties of School Health Nurses Form, all developed by the researchers. Data are gathered through face-to-face interviews. Statistical analyses are performed using SPSS 23.0. The findings indicated that administrators’ awareness of the duties of school health nurses significantly predicted the perceived necessity of employing a school health nurse (p < 0.001). Higher awareness scores were associated with a lower likelihood of perceiving the necessity of school health nurses. School administrators’ awareness of duties and perceptions of school health nursing play a critical role in shaping the perceived necessity of school health nurses within the school setting. Accordingly, structured training and awareness programs targeting school administrators are recommended, and national policies should prioritize the mandatory employment of school health nurses in all educational institutions.