Refereed journal article or data article (A1)

Supporting LGBTQ+ Students: A Focus Group Study with Junior High School Nurses




List of AuthorsLaiti Minna, Pakarinen Anni, Parisod Heidi, Hayter Mark, Sariola Salla, Salanterä Sanna

Publication year2022

JournalJournal of School Nursing

Start page1

End page10

DOIhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1177/10598405221086035

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/174491381


Abstract

LBGTQ+ students often miss the support and information they need in the school nursing, but little is known about junior high school (JHS) nurses’ work with LGBTQ+ students. 15 JHS nurses were interviewed in focus groups about their perceptions of supporting LGBTQ+ students. Four interconnected themes were identified with inductive thematic analysis: (1) JHS nurses’ professional identity and practice; (2) Recognition of sexual and gender diversity in school; (3) Family acceptance process; and (4) LGBTQ+ students as school nursing clients. JHS nurses self-identified as accepting professionals, but having limited skills, knowledge, and education needed in supporting LGBTQ+ students. Supporting LGBTQ+ students is a complex phenomenon, and to enhance JHS nurses’ competence in providing care for these students, sexual and gender diversity needs to be included in evidence-based nursing information sources, covered in nursing education, and the school needs to be secured as LGBTQ+ safe place.


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Last updated on 2023-15-06 at 16:14