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How to Become a School Nurse: Job Duties & Requirements
Discover what it takes to become a school nurse, including basic job duties and responsibilities, education and certification requirements, and much more.
Pursue a rewarding nursing specialty as a school nurse
School nurses play an important role in healthcare. Each year, millions of children attending public and private schools need care, from first aid for playground accidents to annual vision and health screenings. School nurses also manage chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes, administer medications, address health emergencies, and provide mental health support. They play a key role in promoting overall student health and ensuring a safe, supportive learning environment.
If you want to work with children and are passionate about healthcare, becoming a school nurse might be a great career choice! Here’s what you need to know about becoming a school nurse.
Job Duties
1. Understand a school nurse’s job duties and responsibilities
A school nurse is a registered nurse who works in an elementary, middle, or high school to provide immediate care and support to students. School nurses help students who are feeling sick, maintain care for chronic illnesses, sustain minor injuries during school activities, and administer healthcare as needed.
School nurses typically have an office in a single school, though some may provide support to other schools within a district as needed. Their hours generally mirror that of the school day and school year, with weekends and summers off. (Depending on the school or school district’s schedule, there may be an opportunity for nurses to work regularly throughout the summer.)
Here are some additional duties school nurses perform, which can be highly variable based on the state of employment:
- Provide care for students injured at school. If a student sustains an injury during a school-related activity—such as falling during recess—the school nurse provides needed medical attention (e.g., first aid). School nurses also document what happened, and may contact the student’s teacher, parents, or other medical professionals as appropriate.
- Provide relief for ill students. School nurses care for children who have sudden illnesses, such as the stomach flu. They may also reach out to parents or medical professionals when additional care is needed.
- Establish health and wellness programs. School nurses help coordinate educational programs about health and wellness. This may include proper hygiene, such as handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes.
- Provide mental health resources. Because student mental health has demanded greater focus, nurses may provide mental health education to students and their parents.
- Coordinate testing for medical conditions. School nurses help coordinate testing for vision, hearing, and scoliosis screenings for students.
- Ensure immunizations are up to date. School nurses may oversee immunization records and ensure students have proper immunizations.
- Oversee drug prevention programs. Some school nurses might be in charge of facilitating drug prevention education programs with the help of local police officers.
Manage chronic conditions. School nurses monitor and support students with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or allergies, ensuring they receive the appropriate care and medication during the school day.
Education
2. Earn an ADN or BSN degree from an accredited program
To become a school nurse, you must first earn your nursing degree and license. It’s helpful, but not necessary, to have pediatric nursing experience.
Some employers require additional certifications, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification. Besides being an RN, some states also require additional educational coursework or certifications in areas like first aid, CPR, and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use.
School nurse degree requirements
Typically, school nurses are required to have an associate’s degree in nursing and a registered nurse (RN) certification at a minimum. An ADN/ASN can be completed in less than two years.
While an associate degree is the minimum requirement, a school may prefer nurses to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
If you are changing careers to become a school nurse, and already have a degree, an Accelerated BSN option or MSN Direct Entry program are also potential possibilities.
Some schools may hire a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for a school nurse role; however, this varies across states and school districts.
3. Pass the NCLEX and earn RN licensure
After earning your nursing degree, the next step is to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam.
This exam tests graduates on the nursing education and training they gained in school.
Once you pass the NCLEX-RN and meet the licensing requirements in the state where you live, you will be a licensed RN.
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Get Certified
4. Get certified as a school nurse
School nurses are not required to be certified. However, becoming a Certified School Nurse (CSN) helps validate you have the knowledge needed to succeed in an educational environment.
The National Board for Certification of School Nurses is an independent organization that develops, administers, and evaluates a national certification examination for school nurses. Nurses who pass the exam earn the credential of Nationally Certified School Nurse (NCSN). To keep their license active, CSNs must take a renewal exam every few years.
The NBCSN certification requires you to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. If you are interested in attaining this certification but currently hold an associate degree, your first step will be to explore first going from RN to BSN.
5. Consider an advanced practice nursing degree
While not required, school nurses can earn their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This can help grow your existing knowledge and prepare you for leadership roles within a larger school district.
Because many MSN programs are online, you can complete them around your schedule. School nurses who have an MSN may also benefit from higher earning potential and greater employment options.
Start your path to become a school nurse
Every day, school nurses provide important healthcare services and make a positive impact on the lives of students.
You can pursue this rewarding specialty in the field of nursing and make a significant impact on the lives of many different types of students. We know you are possible.