With only a few days left until kindergartens and first grades start education, the Covid-19 pandemic, the situation of children in schools during this pandemic process, and the contributions of school health nursing in this process were discussed at the "The Situation in Schools and School Health Nursing During the Covid-19 Pandemic" meeting organized by Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences.
The program, held via Zoom Webinar, was attended by Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Medicine Dean Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur, Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences Head of Nursing Department Prof. Dr. Semra Doğan, Dr. Lecturer Emine Ekici, Dr. Lecturer Bahise Aydın, and Educator Sabahat Özgöl from Üsküdar District Directorate of National Education as speakers.
Prof. Dr. Selma Doğan: “School health professionals are permanently needed”
Prof. Dr. Selma Doğan, Head of the Nursing Department, who moderated the program, emphasized the necessity of health nurses in schools, stating: “Undoubtedly, the pandemic process has significantly affected our fall semester plans, and all aspects of our lives have been impacted by this situation. However, schools and children are among the most affected institutions. With very little time left until schools reopen, and uncertainties regarding what needs to be done, school health has gained immense importance in this process. Because schools are not only institutions where information is transferred, but they also play a crucial role in children's cognitive, mental, emotional, and social development, and in preparing them for life in the future.
For this reason, I want to emphasize that education cannot be conducted solely through distance learning. During the pandemic, keeping schools entirely closed does not seem feasible, and many units are making suggestions for their reopening. However, making schools safe for both children and staff, teachers, and families upon reopening emerges as a necessity. We know that very important work is being done in this regard, but I still want to underline that there is a permanent need for school health professionals in creating a healthy learning environment in schools, including during epidemics.” She said.
School Closures Affected Many Areas!
Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur stated that many problems also emerged with the interruption of education. Prof. Dr. Sur; “The institutions we call schools are not places to be quickly passed over. The closure of schools affects not only teachers, students, and families but also broad economic and social masses. The interruption of education leads to nutritional deficiencies in children, childcare problems, and consequently, the economic cost for families unable to work. The benefits of reopening schools for education cannot be overlooked. Continuing education in schools will have many positive aspects, such as students completing their studies and progressing to the next grade, preventing violence against children, promoting socio-psychological well-being, allowing parents to work, and providing societal benefits.” He stated.
Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur: “School health nurses must be present in schools”
Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur, speaking about the criteria to be followed as schools return to education, said, “Covid-19 monitoring must be carried out effectively in educational institutions. To observe this, public health measures must be implemented and adhered to in schools. For this to be carried out more effectively, there must be at least one “School Health Nurse” in every school. Today, when we look, all developed countries have nurses in their schools. In this process, we once again understood the importance of school health nurses in schools.” He said.
Sabahat Özgöl: “There is a great need for face-to-face education”
Sabahat Özgöl, who works as a teacher affiliated with the Üsküdar District Directorate of National Education; “The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education have carried out very important work regarding the reopening of schools. Throughout the summer, videos of lessons were recorded for online education to be prepared for every situation. In this process, our schools are ready for both online and face-to-face education. What we want is for teachers and students to return to our schools. Let's not forget that what we call academic success is part of our social life. Our communication and interaction with people are paramount. Our academic life is reinforced by our social life, our interaction, and communication. Therefore, there is a great need for face-to-face education.” She said.
Family, Student, and School Staff Education is Crucial!
Dr. Lecturer Emine Ekici from Üsküdar Üniversitesi Nursing Department stated that reopening schools is a process management. Ekici said, “This situation is a process management. Students, teachers, and administrators have responsibilities here, and everyone needs to fulfill these responsibilities. This process covers the period before coming to school, while going to school, and the time spent at school. The education of school staff, students, and their families against Covid-19 is very important. In this context, family education, student education, and school staff training need to be carried out.” She said.
Dr. Lecturer Bahise Aydın: “Measures need to be continuously monitored and controlled”
Dr. Lecturer Bahise Aydın from Üsküdar Üniversitesi Nursing Department, the last speaker of the program, stated; “This is a dynamic process. Before moving to scenarios, a contact list of students and staff needs to be created. Compliance with protective measures is crucial at this point. Measures need to be continuously monitored and controlled. For this, our recommendations include a school nurse for each school, a Covid-19 action plan involving the school health nurse, continuous education and certification programs, collaboration among associations and communities and establishing new ones if necessary, scientific research, meetings, and workshops to create policies and guidelines.” She noted.