Optimizing Aboriginal Health: School Nurse Role (NSB202 Assignment)

This discussion board post, prepared for the NSB202 course, examines the critical role of registered nurses in primary and secondary schools in addressing the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The post highlights cardiovascular diseases as a significant health priority, emphasizing the disproportionate risk faced by this population due to social disadvantages such as inadequate education, limited access to healthcare, and high smoking rates. The assignment underscores how school nurses can mitigate these issues through health education, awareness programs, and by addressing the social determinants of health, particularly the impact of smoking, to improve long-term health outcomes. References include relevant sources that support the discussion's key arguments, and the importance of considering the socio-cultural requirements of the children in providing effective healthcare is emphasized.

Running head: REGISTERED NURSE IN SCHOOL
Role of registered nurses in school settings
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

REGISTERED NURSE IN SCHOOL 1
Aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders present about 20% higher risk of cardiovascular
diseases than non-indigenous populations. Cardiovascular diseases comprise of heart failure,
coronary heart diseases, peripheral heart diseases and rheumatic heart diseases. It is a leading
cause of death in Australia and a substantial problem among Aboriginal and Torres strait
population. This is because this class of people are socially disadvantaged and do not receive
an adequate education, access to healthcare facilities and prevalence of excessive smoking
among the people. One of the most important social determinants is smoking (Australian
Indigenous HealthInfoNet, 2020). Registered nurses employed in primary and secondary
schools can play a significant role in reducing the prevalence the cardiovascular diseases by
educating the children and people at a young age the long-term ill-effects of smoking. These
registered nurses provide education and awareness programs beyond conventional medical
care services by supporting their complex socio-cultural requirements of the children
(Drummond, 2014).

2REGISTERED NURSE IN SCHOOL
References
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet. (2020). Cardiovascular Health - Health Topics -
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet. Retrieved 2 April 2020, from
https://healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/learn/health-topics/cardiovascular-health/
Drummond, A. (2014). Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers
and health practitioners. Yatdjuligin: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nursing
and Midwifery Care, 163-88.