Comparing the roles of school nurses in special education in Unites States of America, Europe [Germany, Greece, Norway, Sweeden and United Kingdom] and Russia: Challenges and perspectives for the Greek nursing system in schools

This paper compares the roles and responsibilities of school nurses in special education settings across the United States, several European countries (France, Germany, Greece, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom), and Russia. The study examines how school nurses address the health and medical needs of students with disabilities, focusing on the varying degrees of involvement and challenges encountered in different educational and healthcare systems. In the United States, school nurses play a comprehensive and integral role, including managing chronic health conditions, administering medications, providing mental health support, and collaborating with teachers and healthcare providers to develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Individualized Health Care Plans (IHCPs) for students with special needs. In contrast, in Greece and Russia, school nursing services are less developed, with nurses typically limited to basic health tasks such as first aid, routine health screenings, and disease prevention, with minimal involvement in special education settings. The paper highlights the challenges faced by Greece, such as limited resources, insufficient professional training, and a lack of integration between health and education services. By comparing these international models, the paper identifies gaps in the Greek school nursing system and suggests potential improvements, including increased professional development, more holistic and collaborative care approaches, and greater integration of school nurses into special education teams. The findings offer valuable perspectives for enhancing the quality of school nursing services in Greece, particularly in supporting students with special educational needs.