Initiative Description: The support group met with the school nurse on a weekly basis for 1 hour at the end of the school day over a 5-week period. The topics presented to the group included being sick and options available, setting weekly attendance goals, identifying depressive symptoms and what they mean, and likes and dislikes about school.

Study Results: School nurses can implement a support group to carry out health status checks and to give direction or information around illness management/ self-care and stress management.

Reference: Houck GM, Perri C. A support group for absentee middle school students. J Sch Nurs. 2002;18:201-205. doi/pdf/10.1177/10598405020180040801

Level of Evidence: Good