School Nurse
By: Chasity Frazier
Description
The school nurse provides health care to students and staff, performs health screenings and coordinates referrals to the medical home or private healthcare provider. The school nurse serves as a liaison between school personnel, family, community and healthcare providers to advocate for health care and a healthy school environment
Certification
Professional certification in school nursing provides an ongoing, quality credentialing process for eligible school nurses. Certification represents a national standard of preparation, knowledge, and practice
Daily Activites
- Promotes a healthy school environment
- Provides screening and referral for health conditions
- Provides leadership for the provision of health services
- Provides direct care for students
Education
The National Association of School Nurses recommends a four-year bachelor’s degree and registered nurse certification as the minimum standard.
Income
Median $45,666
Skills & Practice Settings
School nurses practice in schools throughout the United States and overseas military bases in settings that include:
- Elementary schools
- Middle schools
- Junior High schools
- High schools, Alternative schools
- Private schools
- Parochial schools
- Pre-schools
- Vocational schools
Job Outlook
School nurses provide a variety of medical services to the academic communities in which they work. They oversee the overall health of the students in academic institutions. A bachelor's degree and a registered nursing license are the typical requirements for this position, and additional school nurse certification may be needed in some states.
Video
National School Nurse Day