Caring for students with type 1 diabetes: school nurses' experiences

J Sch Nurs. 2013 Feb;29(1):31-8. doi: 10.1177/1059840512447123. Epub 2012 May 3.

Abstract

This qualitative study used a Husserlian phenomenological approach to obtain an understanding of the essences of five experienced Taiwanese school nurses' lived experience of caring for students with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Audio-recorded, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted. Data analysis entailed a modified method from Colaizzi. Four intertwined themes were discovered: (a) I try to put myself in the parents' and students' shoes, (b) I am not a diabetes expert, (c) managing T1DM requires teamwork, and (d) caring for students with T1DM is a struggle with practical limitations. The findings show that these school nurses encountered many challenges as they implemented their roles and responsibilities in caring for students with T1DM. The findings suggest that increasing school nurses' competence in caring for students with T1DM and developing effective strategies to overcome the challenges faced may be useful. Multidisciplinary teamwork could benefit the diabetes management activities in school settings.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Attitude to Health
  • Clinical Competence
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / nursing*
  • Empathy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Middle Aged
  • Nurse's Role / psychology
  • Nurses
  • School Health Services
  • School Nursing / methods*
  • Students*
  • Taiwan