What does a School Nurse do?
School Nurses work in nursery, elementary and high schools and provide medical care for students throughout the school day. They administer routine medications and provide basic first aid for minor injuries, and they oversee school wellness programs. School Nurse are also responsible for stabilizing severely ill or injured students until parents, guardians or emergency services arrive.
School Nurse provide treatment for minor ailments, such as stomachaches and mild fevers, and they monitor students who visit their office to determine if additional medical assistance may be needed. Nurses who are certified to train school staff may also conduct presentations on administering epinephrine to students experiencing severe allergic reactions.
School Nurse skills and qualifications
To work in school settings, nurses must complete required educational courses and obtain RN licenses. In addition to meeting educational requirements, a successful School Nurse should possess the following skills and qualifications:
- Standard clinical skills to dispense medications and treat minor ailments and injuries
- Basic math skills to ensure proper dosage amounts when dispensing medications
- Good communication skills to work with students and parents
- Ability to demonstrate a calm, caring demeanor when working with children
- Good presentation skills for training school staff
- Ability to remain focused in the event of a student medical emergency
School Nurse experience requirements
Specific School Nurse experience requirements can vary by state and the requirements of the educational facility. All School Nurse must be registered and licensed in their state. Most schools also require nurses to have a specific amount of clinical experience, which can be acquired during nursing school or college and through working at medical offices, hospitals and other medical facilities.
School Nurse education and training requirements
A School Nurse must earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or graduate from an accredited nursing school. After completing their studies, candidates must become Registered Nurses by applying with their state nursing board and passing the National Council Licensure Examination. Depending on the specific state requirements, School Nurses may also be required to pass the School Nurse Certification exam.
To qualify for the School Nurse Certification exam, nurses must complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of clinical experience or three years of academic experience. Nurses may also receive training through clinical experience during nursing school or when working toward their degrees.
School Nurse salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a School Nurse is $53,806 per year. Specific salary amounts for School Nurses can vary, depending on factors such as geographical location, experience levels and employer salary policies.
School Nurse salary expectations
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Common salary:
38.74 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
12.30 -79.75 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
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School Nurse job description FAQs
Can School Nurses diagnose illnesses?
School Nurses aren’t physicians, so they can’t diagnose illnesses. However, a School Nurse can offer suggestions to parents about possible illnesses, but they must advise parents to consult with their children’s pediatricians for official diagnoses.
How can you make your School Nurse job description stand out?
Ways to make your School Nurse job description stand out include highlighting unique aspects of your school and including graphics or visuals in your pitch. Both of these suggestions may help pique the interest of job seekers and encourage them to apply.
What is the difference between a School Nurse and an Emergency Room Nurse?
While School Nurses and Emergency Room Nurses both hold licenses and certifications in nursing, Emergency Room Nurses work in hospitals, while School Nurses work in educational settings. School Nurses generally have set work hours that correlate with the open hours of the educational facility, whereas ER Nurses can work morning, night or swing shifts within a 24-hour cycle.
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