School based youth health nurses assist young people in secondary schools (aged 12 – 18) to make a safe transition into adulthood by providing advice around 'foundations' for health promoting behaviours and attitudes. They undertake preventative activities with adolescents and their families.
The Youth Health Nurse provides:
Confidential, private health consultations
Health education and health promotion (individually, as a member of a group and/or in classroom discussions)
Advice on health and community resources
Referrals to appropriate health professionals or services
Students, parents and staff are invited to consult the Youth Health Nurse on such issues as:
General health and lifestyle issues
Personal and family problems
Relationships
Healthy eating and exercise
Puberty and healthy skin
Sexual health
Smoking, alcohol and other drugs
Feeling unhappy
Stress
Getting in touch with the appropriate health service for your needs
Help with health information, i.e. school assignments
The school based Youth Health Nurse is not involved with First Aid or behaviour management.