Getting to Know The School Nurse Jobs
School nurse positions are much more than a job; they are a calling. These school medical professionals are an essential part of keeping students healthy, from caring for bumps and bruises to helping monitor chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes. If you love working with children, the field of pediatric health care and education make a job as a school nurse the ideal career for you.
In this piece, we will explore what school nurse jobs involve, the eligibility and requirements needed to secure one of these roles, the duties of a school nurse, and potential salary along with how to find the best jobs in this rewarding vocation.
What Does a School Nurse Do?
The school nurse is the primary health care professional within the educational system. Their responsibilities extend beyond passing out band-aids—they keep students healthy, safe, and prepared to learn. Key responsibilities include:
From the expert: Give medical attention ASAP
How to Act Keep wounds clean Cuts, Scratches and Bruises: The skin is a great protector, but if paper is cut, scraped, or otherwise damaged and not kept clean, it can easily become infected.
Respond to emergencies, such as allergic reactions or seizures.”
Medications should be given as ordered.
ROUTINE DUTIES IN A NURSE LIFE
- Managing Chronic Conditions
- Creating care plans for students with diabetes, asthma or epilepsy.
- Staff training in emergency procedures (e.g., EpiPen usage).
- Promoting Health Education
- Educating students about hygiene, nutrition and mental health.
- Administering vision and hearing tests.
- Supporting Mental Health
- Detecting sings of anxiety, depression or bullying.
- Supporting students and families with counseling services.
- School nurses collaborate with teachers, parents and administrators to alleviate many potential health concerns in school.
Requirements for School Nursing Jobs
It will usually take a combination of education, certification and soft skills to land a position in school nursing.
Educational Requirements
RN Licensure: Must have and maintain a valid Registered Nurse (RN) license.
Bachelor’s Degree (BSN): BSNs are required in some states or districts.
Special Certification: Some schools prefer a National Certified School Nurse (NCSN) accreditation.
Essential Skills
Pediatric Experience: Experience in children’s health is a benefit.
Communication: Be able to communicate well with kids, parents, and staff.
Emergency Help: Often CPR and first aid certified.
State-Specific Requirements
There are variations state by state — in some states, there are more stringent requirements, some of which require additional school nurse certification. See your state Department of Education for more information.
Salary and Employment Outlook for School Nurses
Some who wish to be schoolnurses muse about the financial rewards. Here’s what to expect:
Average Salary: 48,000 _ 48,000 _ 70,000 per annum, dependent on location and experience.
Public vs. Private Schools: Public schools generally provide better benefits.
Job Stability: Demand is on rise, student healthcare is growing.
School nursing provides a consistent schedule (no nights or weekends!) and the reward of knowing I am making a tangible difference in children’s lives.
Where School Nurse Jobs Are Located
Ready to begin your job search? Here are the top ways to find school nurse openings:
School District Websites
The majority of public schools list jobs on their district’s website.
Job Boards
Indeed
Glassdoor
SchoolSpring (like it says, education jobs)
Networking
Belong to organizations like the National Association of School Nurses (NASN).
Go to local education job fairs.
Staffing Agencies
Some of those agencies focus on getting health care professionals into schools.
Pros and Cons of a School Nurse Job
Challenges
Heavy Responsibility: It’s so much pressure, working with that many students.
Resource Scarcity: Due to budget constraints, some schools have limited resources for healthcare items.
Rewards
Impact: Keep kids healthy and academically successful.
Work Life Balance: Many times, weekends, holidays, and summers off.
Final Thoughts: A School Nurse Job May Be for You
If you enjoy working with children and seek a nursing career that will provide you with regular hours, as well as emotional rewards, finding a job as a school nurse is a great place to start. If you have the correct certifications and a love for student health, this could be a fulfilling career for you.
Begin your job search today—apply to be a school nurse now!
Next Steps
Add to your resume any pediatric-related experiences.
See state requirements for school nurse certification.
Submit applications on school district websites and at job boards.
By following these measures, you’re on the right track to securing your next fulfilling school nurse role.
Do you need help writing your resume for a school nurse position? Let us know in the comments!
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