School Nurse

What Is the Role of a School Nurse?

A school nurse is a health professional who works with school-aged children in an academic setting. Students who become ill or injured during the school day frequently report to the school nurse for evaluation. Administering everyday prescriptions, caring for a child with a virus, or stabilizing a child until emergency services after a more severe injury may all be required. Because resources are frequently limited, the school nurse must determine when a kid needs a higher level of care or when parents should be contacted. Additionally, the school nurse may be tasked with educating students and staff about health-related topics.

How to Become a School Nurse

Following certification as an RN, a nurse may seek positions in schools. Apart from the physical health skills required of a successful school nurse, qualified candidates should also have experience with mental health, school policy, and law, as well as a comfort level with children. Additionally, school nurses must have strong communication skills as they interact with teachers, administrators, and parents. Being in a school setting implies that nurses may be involved with students’ social well-being and anti-bullying programs thus, being comfortable with conflict resolution is a critical skill set to retain.

What Education Do School Nurses Need?

Although nurses with an Associate’s degree and even Licensed, Professional Nurses are frequently eligible for this type of work, the National Association of School Nurses advocates recruiting Registered Nurses with a four-year BSN degree who have passed the NCLEX-RN exam. Most schools prefer to hire nurses with a few years of clinical experience, as school nurses must make vital choices without the assistance of a physician on-site.

Is it necessary to obtain any certifications or credentials?

School nurses can earn certification through the National Board of Certification for School Nurses (NBCSN). It needs a bachelor’s degree and a registered nurse license, as well as at least 1,000 hours of clinical experience during the three years preceding the test. Due to the fact that school nursing services are regulated at the state level, each state may also have its own certification or licensure criteria. Each state has an associate organization of the National Association of School Nurses that can assist in determining whether further criteria, if any, are necessary.

Where Are School Nurses Employed?

School nurses are employed in practically every type of educational setting, including public schools, private schools, vocational and/or alternative institutions, and others. Additionally, they may work at international schools or on United States military facilities. While school nurses are normally assigned to a health office on a school campus, financial shortages have increasingly forced employed school nurses to travel between schools within a district. School nurses often work during the school day when classes are in session, and many take time off during the summer, vacations, and other school breaks.

What Is the Role of a School Nurse?

School nurses are responsible for the physical and mental health of adolescents on school campuses. This includes assessing ill or injured children, delivering treatment or first aid, and determining whether or not to contact a student’s parents or emergency services. Students who suffer from chronic conditions such as asthma or allergies may request assistance from the school nurse in administering necessary drugs or treatments on a regular basis. School nurses may also assist in assessing and treating children who are suffering from mental health concerns such as ADHD.

What Are the Functions and Responsibilities of a School Nurse?

  • Students’ physical and mental well-being
  • Treat fevers, colds, stomachaches, and other diseases
  • Assist wounded students with first aid and wound care.
  • Evaluate illnesses and injuries and, if necessary, notify parents or emergency services.
  • Monitor and dispense medications to students
  • Students should receive health instruction.

Salary and Employment Opportunities for School Nurses

A school RN’s typical pay is $46,840, with a range of $37,420-$59,135. Salary is affected by factors such as location, type of school, experience, and certifications.

While employment of registered nurses is expanding overall, school nurses may not experience the same level of growth as other nursing specializations due to increasing budget cuts within the school system. However, because school nurse jobs are typically low-stress and offer flexible schedules, they are particularly desirable for those who prefer not to work in a fast-paced hospital atmosphere.