Introduction to the special issue: How COVID-19 has affected students' health, achievement, and mental health.

The worldwide pandemic caused by COVID-19 was an event that has left an indelible mark upon the people who lived through this period. This special issue of is devoted to exploring the wide range of issues that children, families, and schools dealt with during the pandemic. The following topics are discussed: (1) an overview of how children were affected in both physical and psychological terms, (2) the range of problems that professionals working with youth during the pandemic had to address, (3) the special issues that impacted college-age students during the pandemic, and finally (4) the various factors that influenced the level of impact that COVID-19 had on children and their families.

School nurse and COVID-19 response.

The role of the school nurse should not be understated when addressing the Covid-19 pandemic and its effects on children and families. Knowledge surrounding this virus is rapidly changing and quick adaptation within the school system is required. In addition to the provision of direct care and education to students, school nurse responsibilities include the development and implementation of new policies; consideration of social and emotional well-being; and effective communication with students, families, teachers, administrators, and community stakeholders.

COVID-19 and health in children and adolescents in the US: A narrative systematic review.

In the United States, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated nationwide closures of kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) schools. Stay-at-home orders and social distancing mandates were also implemented to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the existing literature on how COVID-19 impacted K-12 students' eating patterns, physical activity, and sleep in the United States.

Interprofessional Collaboration in School-Based Settings, Part 3: Implementation of IC Through Case Scenarios.

This article is the last in a series of three that discusses the importance of interprofessional collaboration (IC) between the school nurse and other school-based and community professionals and provides a succinct recap on the importance of IC along with illustrating how IC can successfully be implemented in the school setting through case scenarios. The case scenarios will depict how the school nurse works interprofessionally with school healthcare professionals, community healthcare professionals, and school staff to provide a comprehensive, collaborative approach.

Interprofessional Collaboration in School-Based Settings, Part 2: Team Members and Factors Contributing to Collaborative Success.

This article is the second in a series of three articles discussing the importance of interprofessional collaboration between the school nurse and other school-based and community professionals to create a healthcare team. Developing the healthcare team begins with identifying the individual medical, mental health, and educational needs of the student. Expertise in both education and healthcare systems makes school nurses ideal candidates for coordinating with the healthcare team to meet the needs of the student.

Interprofessional Collaboration in School-Based Settings Part 1: Definition and the Role of the School Nurse.

Interprofessional collaboration is an important approach in providing quality care to patients by healthcare professionals. Interprofessional collaboration is common in healthcare organizations such as hospitals and long-term healthcare facilities where each professional of the healthcare team contributes to the overall healthcare plan for the patient. But, little research or discussion how interprofessional collaboration is implemented within the school systems exist.

Practical Considerations for School Nurses in Improving the Nutrition of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Children with autism spectrum disorder may exhibit issues with food selectivity and/or picky eating habits. Symptoms of autism such as sensory sensitivity contribute to why these children refuse to eat food, but medications, food intolerance, and even financial status can cause this issue to become concerning to a student's overall health. School nurses are imperative in the health care of children with autism spectrum disorder and must understand why food selectivity occurs in order to maintain or improve the nutrition status of their students.

School Nurses Increasing the Compliance of Hygiene Routines for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

School nurses are essential healthcare providers to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In providing this care, school nurses may need to accommodate the unique challenges that children with ASD may face, including but not limited to sensory sensitivities, communicative and social difficulties, difficulties remembering event sequencing and directions, and poor time management skills. The aim of this article is to provide school nurses and healthcare providers evidence-based interventions and strategies that they may use to increase the compliance of hygiene behaviors and routines for children with ASD.

Increasing Nursing Students' Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder by Using a Standardized Patient.

Nursing students participated in a simulation using a standardized patient role-playing an adolescent with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The researchers used student feedback to develop and improve a simulation aimed at increasing learner skills and knowledge for treating ASD patients. Students indicated that the standardized patient provided realism not obtained when using static manikins or high-fidelity simulators.

Non-Bachelor of Science in Nursing Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Registered Nurse: A Change in Critical Thinking.

With recommendations from national nursing associations and accrediting bodies to transition to an all baccalaureate prepared nurse workforce by 2020, it is important to understand the expertise that a baccalaureate degreed nurse brings to patient care. The purpose of this article is to establish the differences of a non-bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) registered nurse and a 4-year prepared nurse, as well as to identify the education and clinical trends in critical care that require a BSN-prepared nurse. The history of associate degree and diploma degree nurses is admirable and served a purpose serving up to and post World War II.

Strategies for Pursuing a Master's Degree.

Health care has become very complex and is in a constant state of change. As a result of the evolving change and increasing complexity, a more educated nursing workforce is needed (Dracup K. Master's nursing programs.

Nurses Identify Education and Communication Among Professionals as Essential in Serving ASD Children.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a broad term encompassing a group of neurodevelopmental disabilities. Children with ASD present behavioral, communication, and social behaviors. One in 68 individuals is diagnosed with autism.