How to Become a School Nurse

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a School Nurse

What does a School Nurse do?

A School Nurse provides nursing care to students and staff within a school setting. Responsible for assessing student health, providing first aid and emergency care, administering medications, managing chronic conditions, and educating students and staff on health-related topics. Being a School Nurse focuses on promoting health and preventing illness to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment. Requires an associate degree in nursing. Additionally, School Nurse requires Registered Nurse (RN). Typically reports to a school principal. The School Nurse work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. To be a School Nurse typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

People's Opinions on School Nurse responsibilities

School nursing can be a demanding career, requiring much more than maintaining the daily health of students in some cases.

11/22/2019: New Orleans, LA

Typically, the school nurse supplies bandages for scraped knees and safely administers prescription and over-the-counter medication to students who have provided him with written authorization from their parents and family physicians to do so.

11/14/2019: Rock Hill, SC

Physical, mental and psychological development are sometimes monitored by the school nurse.

11/13/2019: Terre Haute, IN

The same applies for physical symptoms and signs the nurse may perceive as becoming health problems.

12/09/2019: Santa Maria, CA

In some cases, the school nurse may engage the services of outside agencies to assist in properly treating students.

10/23/2019: Kingsport, TN
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a School Nurse

Best tips for those who want to become a School Nurse

Here are some tips to become a School Nurse.

People's Opinions on best tips

Providing health care to students is an unpredictable job.

10/27/2019: Provo, UT

Consider the Interview an Opportunity.

11/21/2019: Flagstaff, AZ

Follow the nursing exam study guide.

12/16/2019: La Crosse, WI

Focus on the material covered in class.

01/11/2020: Augusta, GA

Enroll in an accredited nursing school.

12/01/2019: Orange, CA
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for School Nurse

Best colleges and universities for School Nurse

  • Butler University
  • Carroll College
  • High Point University
  • Princeton University
  • Providence College
  • Rollins College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a School Nurse

Is being a School Nurse Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

If necessary, arrange for the child's homework to be sent to your office or to the school's front office.

10/29/2019: Terre Haute, IN

For a smaller population of nurses, back-to-school season means it’s time to head back to the local elementary, middle or high school and get ready to care for some of the city’s youngest patients.

11/14/2019: San Bernardino, CA

The middle and high school clinics are extremely busy with the one nurse seeing 45 to 60 kids a day, usually.

12/26/2019: Frankfort, KY

Quickly, they allegedly learned that Marsh had several illicit sexual encounters with four high schoolers.

10/09/2019: Queens Village, NY

However, the National Education Association reports that 59% of schools have a higher ratio of students to available nurses.

11/08/2019: Santa Rosa, CA
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a School Nurse

What skills do you need to be a School Nurse?

When looking into a role like this one, you need to take account of your skills and abilities.  The ability to succeed in this role depends upon the possession of the following skills: Patient Assessment, Administer Medication, Health Education Curriculum Development, Implement Care Plans, Preventative Healthcare, Vision/Hearing Screening, Wellness Counseling.  During an interview, try to convey your knowledge of these skills.

People's Opinions on School Nurse skills

When deciding on a school nurse to fill the needs of a school health office there are many qualities to look for to know the nurse will be able to handle the position.

12/27/2019: Harlingen, TX

In the school environment they will need to be role models, communicators and have the ability to interact with students.

11/27/2019: Fort Collins, CO

Applicants should be able to include a Bachelor's degree in nursing on their resumes, and for those interested, post-baccalaureate School Nurse Services Credential programs are also available and beneficial to pursuing a career as a School Nurse.

11/08/2019: Clearwater, FL

Becoming a public school nurse can be a rewarding career, but first you need a well-written resume to help your skills, experience, and personality shine.

10/15/2019: Houston, TX

Because they deal with elementary, middle, and high school aged children, a public school has to be skilled at assessing patient needs, especially when that patient has trouble articulating their needs.

11/13/2019: Gastonia, NC
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Step 6: View average salary for School Nurse

How much does a School Nurse make?

The average salary range for a School Nurse is from $46,850 to $74,024. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a School Nurse
$46,850 to $74,024

Step 7: Find relevant School Nurse jobs, and apply.

Looking for School Nurse jobs?

Here are some School Nurse jobs in the United States.

Search School Nurse Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of School Nurse