The Youth Health Program

The School-based Youth Health Nurse Program is an initiative of the Queensland Government. Within this program nurses are employed to work in state high schools with the aim of assisting young people in making a safe and healthy transition to adulthood. Schools are recognised as key settings for promoting the health of young people during a critical period when knowledge, attitudes and behaviours important for life long health are being learned. The Youth Health nurse works to promote awareness within young people of their own health needs and supports the development of healthy lifestyle behaviours and choices. This is done through a combination of individual health consultations, health education and health promotion activities.

Areas of Operation

I work as a member of the school's support team and have an independent role as well as a collaborative role within the school setting.

My role at Wavell includes:

· Health Consultations for Students, Parents, Carers and School Staff

I am available for individual health consultations for young people parents, carers and school staff. These consultations are to provide support with health-related issues, health information, advice and referral to appropriate community support and health agencies when indicated. Confidentiality of information discussed during consultations will be treated with respect and sensitivity at all times and young people will be encouraged to discuss their health concerns with their parents or carers. The only exception to breaking confidentiality is when there is a disclosure of risk of harm to the young person or others.
Reasons for accessing this service may include:
· Medical concerns
· Body image/nutrition
· Drug and alcohol issues - including smoking
· Puberty changes
· Sexuality issues
· Stress, depression and other mental health issues/ other mental health concerns
· Vision and hearing tests

· Health Education \ Health Promotion Activities

I am involved in the Wavell Development Program for years 8 - 11 and join other classes on invitation. With years 9 and 10 I broach the topic of sexual decision making and sexual health. Young people today are confronted with mixed sexual messages from sources such as the media and friends. This may result in confusion and difficulty in coming to terms with their sexuality. My intention is to support parents in their endeavour to provide their teenager with accurate information and to debunk the many myths around. With this information and a home environment that is open to communicating about sexual issues and concerns, young people are more inclined to feel comfortable with their sexuality and make decisions based on their own personal, moral and religious values rather than on other influences.
Other topics I cover in the Wavell Development Program include puberty, personal hygiene and health and the importance of early detection of cancer.
Health promotion displays in the library and newsletter snippets are other avenues for raising awareness of relevant health issues for young people.

· Acting as a Health Resource Person

This includes:
· Assisting students to gather information for assignments on health topics.

· Liaising with community groups or getting guest speakers to speak with student groups or teachers on specific health topics.

· Assisting teachers to gather resources for health related topics.