A school nurse is a nurse who works in an educational setting to promote and protect the health of students. In addition, school nurses work with students, families, school staff, and community members to create a healthy environment and support academic success.
Training and Certification
The training and certification for school nurses vary from school district to school district, as each sets its own requirements based on its state guidelines, student population, and overall needs. A school nurse could be a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN). Some may even hold a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN).
Additionally, many school nurses are certified in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), emergency first aid, and the use of an AED machine (automated external defibrillator).
Become a School Nurse
The first step to becoming a school nurse is to graduate from an accredited nursing program. School nurses often take additional credits in public health, but you need to check with your school advisor to understand the specific requirements in your state for school nursing.
Resources for Advancement
Many resources are available to help you advance your career as a school nurse. The National Association of School Nurses provides resources and support for school nurses as well as continuing education opportunities. If you wish to expand your reach beyond the school setting, you can continue your studies to become a nurse educator or a nurse executive. Furthermore, you can study for a master's of nursing (MSN) in informatics, healthcare policy, or population health to provide care to your community as a whole.
Job Duties
The job duties of a school nurse vary depending on the needs of the school and the student population. However, some common duties include:
- Administering medications
- Providing first aid
- Conducting screenings and immunizations
- Developing health plans
- Reporting absences due to illness to the state department of health
- Providing health education
While some people may associate the school nurse with long lines for head checks for lice, universal lice and not screenings for every student are no longer common practice. The National Institutes of Health report that it "adds significantly to the school nurse's caseload."
School nurses play an important role in promoting and protecting the health of students so that they can succeed academically. If you are interested in pursuing a career in nursing and enjoy working with children, becoming a school nurse may be the perfect fit for you. Contact a continuing education service to find resources for professional school nurses.
