Abstract
Purpose : The objectives of this paper were to review previous studies about the roles of nurses who work in nursery schools, and to identify research trends and issues that need to be addressed. Methods : Searching Japanese references from 1990 to 2010 in Japana Centra Revuo Medicina Web, Ver.4 and Citation Information by National Institute of Informatics (CiNii) using keywords "nursery school," "nurse," and "role," this study explored the current practice conditions and roles of nurses working at nursery schools. Results : Twenty seven articles were retrieved for analysis, of which more than 70% reported results of quantitative research. Studies about directors and managers constituted 34.2% of the articles, and those about nurses, 28.9%. This study identified current nurse practice conditions in nursery schools and the roles and duties expected of nurses by nursery school administrators, managers, and parents. In addition, nursery school nurses identified some limitations and restrictions placed on their nursing and health activities, while they expressed desires to more broadly exercise their professional skills. Discussion : In order to promote health and safety of children in nursery schools and improve the assignment of nursery school nurses, it is necessary to understand the current conditions and issues of nursing practice and health care, as well as an empirically grounded analysis of support for these nurses.
