A considerable number of research studies have been conducted in order to suggest a professionally desirable and practically feasible definition of the school nurse's role. Yet, the role of the school nurse remains unclear to both the lay public and the nursing profession. The main purpose of this qualitative research was to define the role of school nurses from the perspective of the school nurse. The social interaction model was used as a frame of reference for defining the role. This model defines the role of the school nurse in terms of how the nurse interacts with other people in the educational environment. This aspect of role definition has not been investigated in previous research studies.

A qualitative method, multi-case study, was employed for the investigation of this issue. Study cases included 16 volunteer school nurses who work in Benton, Clackamas, Lane, Linn, and Marion counties. Data were gathered from intensive interviews, non participating observations, and document reviews.

This study found that school nurses identified their major role as an advocate for students and their families regarding health-related issues. The school nurse's role also included acting as a resource person on health-related issues for students, families, and all school personnel. Additionally, the school nurse's role included working as a liaison between school districts/schools, students/families, community resources, and local health departments. The models of role interactions between school nurses and others were developed from analyzed data. These models were depicted in illustrations.

Time constraint, because of over-caseload, was stated as the major factor that inhibits nurses from working more effectively. Being unable to spend enough time in each school leads to the problem of poor visibility for the school nurse and, as a consequence, causes poor role identity for the nurse, as well as, unrealistic expectations for school nurses as perceived by students and school personnel. Study utilization and recommendations for further research were included.