School based youth health nurses and attrition: the reasons for moving on.

Like the UK, Australia has a number of school nursing models and programmes. The School Based Youth Health Nurse Program (SBYHNP) is a new and unique model of school nursing in Queensland, Australia. The SBYHNP represents a philosophical and structural shift from traditional school nursing programmes. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to explore the reasons School Based Youth Health Nurses (SBYHN) leave school nursing. Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted with participants who practised as SBYHN and left the SBYHNP. The case study suggests nurses considering school nursing as a specialty should seek opportunity to understand this complex role, ensure realistic expectations and undertake relevant qualifications. This approach may secure the investment made by nurses and schools and create demand for a highly sought after position.