Become a School Nurse

See if school nursing is the career move for you

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Health is critical to a child's well-being and forms a foundation for academic success. Children spend nearly half of their typical waking hours at school, so they need health professionals available to ensure their safety and protection. To that end, school nurses serve as the chief proponents and leaders of programs that promote health and safety.

Daily School Nursing

School nursing involves the delivery of as-needed emergency and non-emergency health care to students within the educational system. If you become a school nurse, you may find yourself in high demand during the cold and flu season, but managing school wide health initiatives will keep you busy throughout the year. Your typical duties might include the following: Assessing and monitoring the immunization status of each student Providing regular vision, hearing and dental screenings Coordinating health fairs and lectures Offering information and resources regarding normal human development Teaching classes on health and nutrition Handling minor health problems and intervening with actual and potential health risks Dispensing prescribed medications to students throughout the day Implementing individualized health care plans for students with special health needs

School Nurses at Work

School nurses typically work in a private office setting where they can observe and treat students. The office may have a medical table or couch, a desk, and a station to store medical supplies and prescription medications for students with chronic health conditions, including diabetes and asthma.

The American Federation of Teachers reports that approximately half of the 45,000 school nurses employed in the United States cover the health care needs of three or more different schools. Depending on a district's needs, school nurses may work a set number of hours at each assigned school per day or per week, and they may tend to a dozen or more students on a daily basis.

If you become a school nurse, you may spend additional time each week completing required medical paperwork, attending conferences or school meetings, and possibly making home visits.

School Nursing Salary Information

According to Salary.com, the average annual salary for school nurses ranges from $34,162 to $53,986 per year with the top 90 percent earning $64,206 or more. School nursing benefits vary based on the school district where nurses work. In districts where nurses belong to the teacher's union, they typically earn salaries comparable to those of teachers and receive the same health insurance and retirement benefits. A commonly celebrated perk of the career is the opportunity for parents to work during the same hours their children attend school.

While the school nursing job market is tight, you can break into the field by substituting for other school nurses. Substituting will give you the opportunity to gain experience, network with other nurses, and give administrators a chance to see how well you perform under pressure, all of which can lead to a permanent position in another school or nearby district.

School Nurse Education and Training

Educational requirements for school nurses vary widely from state to state, so you should carefully research your state's laws at your local Department of Education before selecting a nursing education program. Every state requires that school nurses hold a registered nursing license (RN). (Visit our comprehensive list of RN schools to find an RN program for you.) Most states require a bachelor's degree, and some require a master's. Some school nurses choose to get an interdisciplinary education and hold a master's degree in education, public health or counseling.

In general, in one to two years, you can complete a associate's degree or certificate program, which typically includes a school nurse internship. You will find specialized school nurse training programs at four-year colleges and universities and at vocational schools, some of which may offer courses online. See our full list of school nursing programs for more information.

School Nurse Certification

As with school nursing educational requirements, school nurse certification standards vary from state to state, with some states requiring national school nurse certification. The National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN) offers a higher level, national certification to registered nurses who meet these requirements:

• Hold a bachelor's degree in nursing or a health related field
• Work in school health services or school health related services
• Pass a certification exam

School nursing plays a pivotal role in the health and welfare of students across the United States. The job offers significant autonomy, steady challenges and immeasurable rewards. Keeping children in good health makes them stronger learners, and that strength builds a greater future for us all. For more information, see our sister site's informative school nursing article at www.AllNursingSchools.com.