Become A School Nurse

Subscribe to Notes on Nursing, our monthly news digest. Subscribe Nursing Specialty Finder School Nurse A School Nurse takes care of students from pre-K school to college, who get sick or injured in an academic setting.

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Share: Facebook Tweet LinkedIn Required education ADN or BSN Average annual salary $26k–$57k

Source: PayScale, Aug 2018

Attributes Independent Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states. Patient-facing Work hands-on, directly with patients. Structured Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation. Varied Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day. You’ll use your skills to manage a wide range of responsibilities and maintain a healthy learning environment. What you’ll do

Advocacy

You’ll speak up for children that may need social services intervention.

Assessment

You’ll perform hearing and eye tests.

Communication

You’ll work with parents and family physicians.

Education

You’ll teach students about healthcare and growth development.

Treatment

You’ll administer medication, provide basic first aid, perform procedures for students with physical disabilities, and monitor conditions such as diabetes and asthma.

Where you’ll work

• Daycare centers
• Schools
• Universities

How to become a School Nurse

01

Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

02

Pass the NCLEX-RN.

03

Work as a Registered Nurse, gaining three years or 4,000 hours of experience.

04

Pass the School Nurse Certification exam through the National Board for Certification of School Nurses.

05

You’re ready to work as a School Nurse.

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