What Does a School Nurse Do?
School nurses provide healthcare services to students, manage chronic conditions, respond to emergencies, and promote health education within the school community. They serve as the bridge between healthcare and education, ensuring students are healthy enough to learn. School nurses work in elementary, middle, and high schools.
School Nurse Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a school nurse include:
- Provide first aid and emergency care for students who become ill or injured during the school day.
- Administer prescribed medications to students, maintaining accurate medication logs and consent forms.
- Manage students with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, allergies, and seizure disorders.
- Develop individualized health plans (IHPs) and emergency action plans for students with medical needs.
- Conduct vision, hearing, and scoliosis screenings as required by state guidelines.
- Maintain confidential student health records and immunization documentation.
- Educate students, staff, and families on health topics including nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention.
- Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and parents to support students physical and mental health needs.
- Track and report communicable disease outbreaks and coordinate with public health authorities.
- Participate in IEP and 504 plan meetings for students whose health conditions affect their educational performance.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a school nurse, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Pediatric health assessment
- Emergency and first aid response
- Chronic disease management in schools
- Health education and promotion
- Immunization record management
- Confidentiality and HIPAA/FERPA compliance
- Communication with families and staff
- Documentation and health record keeping
Education and Training
School nurses must be registered nurses (RNs) with at least a bachelor degree in nursing (BSN). Many states require or prefer a school nurse certification or endorsement, which involves additional coursework in pediatric health, school health policies, and education foundations. Some states accept licensed practical nurses (LPNs) for certain school health roles. The National Board for Certification of School Nurses offers the National Certified School Nurse (NCSN) credential, which demonstrates specialized competency. Continuing education is required to maintain both nursing licensure and school nurse certification.
Salary and Job Outlook
Average Salary: $45,000 - $70,000 per year
Demand for school nurses is growing as schools recognize the importance of having trained health professionals on campus. Many school districts are working to achieve the recommended ratio of one nurse per school. The increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions among students, mental health needs, and the importance of health emergency preparedness are all driving demand. School nurses with experience in mental health support and chronic disease management are particularly valued.