“The United States has one of the highest unintended pregnancy rates of all industrialized nations in the world, with 13% of those occurring among the adolescent population. Helping make contraception accessible to adolescents is one area where school nurses are able to have an impact” (Gabzdyl, 2010). School nurses have an invaluable advantage since they have the opportunity to be in contact with this age group frequently. A 14 year old female is sent to the school nurse because the teacher notices that something seems to be distracting her student. She tells the nurse that she engaged in consensual sexual activity for the first time the night before. When asked if she ever had sex education she stated she’s only received information from her friends. “Due to the teenage pregnancy rates and the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that exist in today 's society, it is very important for teenagers to be informed of the facts related to pregnancy and STDs and how to prevent them from occurring. With this knowledge, they are able to make informed decisions related to their sexual experiences” (Graham, 1999).
As an advanced practice nurse I
References: Alligood, M. R. & Tomey, A. M. (2010). Nursing theorists and their work (7th ed.). Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby Elsevier Gabzdyl, E.M. (2010). Contraceptive care of adolescents: overview, tips, strategies, and implications for school nurses. The Journal of School Nursing, 26(4), 267-277. Graham, T. (1999). Sex education programs in schools: influence on knowledge and behaviors of teenagers (master’s thesis). Retrieved March 17, 2012, from http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/753/