How to Be School Nurse - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 23, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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School nurses are an invaluable resource for students and staff alike. They help to ensure the health and safety of the school community by providing medical advice and care for students, responding to emergency situations, and coordinating care with outside health care providers. By having a school nurse on staff, it can help reduce absenteeism due to illness, decrease the spread of contagious diseases, and improve student safety and well-being.

school nurses can help identify and manage chronic health conditions, provide health education, and connect families to needed community resources. All of these services contribute to a healthier school environment, which can lead to improved academic performance, better attendance, and a greater sense of overall well-being for both students and staff.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. To become a school nurse, you will need to earn a minimum of a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program.
Obtain a Nursing License. After completing your degree, you will need to obtain a nursing license from the state in which you plan to work.
Earn a Masters Degree. Depending on the state and district you want to work for, you may need to have a masters degree in nursing or education.
Apply for School Nurse Positions. Once you have completed your education and obtained your nursing license, you can begin applying for school nurse positions.
Obtain Additional Certifications. Depending on the state and district you plan to work for, you may need to obtain additional certifications or specialized training to become a school nurse.

School nurses play an important role in the overall health of a school. They help promote healthy habits among students and staff, identify health issues, and provide care for those in need. When school nurses are efficient and effective in their roles, they can have a positive effect on student and staff health, attendance rates, and academic performance.

For example, an effective school nurse can help reduce absenteeism due to illness or injury by providing timely and appropriate care. They can also help ensure that students have access to needed medical treatments, such as immunizations, to protect their health and the health of their peers. In addition, school nurses can provide education about healthy habits such as hand-washing and proper nutrition to help prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

Finally, when school nurses are successful in their role, they can create a safe and healthy environment that is conducive to learning and growth.

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Job Description

Provide health education to students, staff, and parents on topics such as nutrition, growth and development, drug and alcohol prevention, and mental health.
Coordinate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure proper delivery of healthcare services.
Monitor the health of students and respond to health emergencies.
Provide individualized care to students with chronic illnesses or special healthcare needs.
Develop and implement plans for school-wide health promotion and injury/illness prevention.
Maintain accurate records of immunizations, physicals, health screenings, and other health-related data.
Administer medications and provide treatments as needed.
Refer students to appropriate community-based health services.
Collaborate with school administrators and staff to accommodate students health needs.
Participate in IEP team meetings to discuss the medical aspects of students educational plans.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of health and safety regulations
Ability to assess and monitor health needs of students
Ability to recognize signs of illness and injury
Ability to provide emergency first aid
Knowledge of infectious diseases
Ability to work with students, parents, teachers, and other school personnel
Knowledge of medical terminology
Excellent communication skills
Ability to maintain records of immunization, health assessment, and treatment
Knowledge of school policies and procedures
Good organizational skills
Ability to work independently

Good communication is essential for school nurses to be successful. Being able to effectively communicate with students, staff, and parents is key to providing the best possible care for those in the school. having the ability to listen and understand the needs of the school community is important.

It is also helpful for school nurses to have strong organizational and time management skills in order to manage their workload and prioritize tasks. Having knowledge of a wide range of health issues, treatments, and diseases is also beneficial for school nurses to properly assess and diagnose students who are in need of medical attention. The ability to stay calm and composed under pressure is also a must for school nurses, as they often have to deal with a variety of difficult situations.

Lastly, having good interpersonal skills will ensure that school nurses are able to build positive relationships with their patients, which is critical in providing quality care. By having these skills, school nurses can ensure that they provide the best possible care for their students and the school community.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with children in a school setting?
How do you handle difficult conversations with parents about their child's health needs?
Describe your experience working with physicians and other healthcare professionals.
What would you do if a student experienced a serious health emergency?
How do you keep up-to-date on new regulations and standards related to school nursing?
How do you go about developing relationships with students and families?
What strategies do you use to make sure students are compliant with health care plans?
How do you handle multiple tasks and prioritize your responsibilities effectively?
What strategies do you use to create trusting relationships with students and their families?
Describe a time when you successfully advocated for a student's health needs.

Common Tools in Industry

Health Records Management System. This tool is used to keep and organize health records of students in a secure database. (Eg: Athena Health)
Immunization Tracking System. This tool is used to track immunization records of students. (Eg: VaccineTrak)
Electronic Medical Records (EMR). This tool is used to store and access patient information in a secure and digital format. (Eg: Epic)
Emergency Response System. This tool is used to quickly respond to medical emergencies and provide necessary care. (Eg: SchoolAIM)
Telehealth System. This tool is used to provide remote medical care to students. (Eg: Teladoc)
Mental Health Screening Tool. This tool is used to assess the mental health of students and provide resources as needed. (Eg: MindWise Screening Tool)
Automated Reminders. This tool is used to send automated reminders to students and parents about health related events and activities. (Eg: Remind)
Online Scheduling System. This tool is used to schedule appointments with the school nurse. (Eg: Calendly)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of School Nurses (NASN)
American Nurses Association (ANA)
National League for Nursing (NLN)
National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF)
American Public Health Association (APHA)
National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP)
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
Society of School Health Professionals (SSHP)
National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS)

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Common Important Terms

Immunization Records. Documents that show a patients immunization history, which are typically kept by healthcare providers, schools, and childcare centers.
Health Screenings. Tests used to detect potential health problems in individuals, such as vision or hearing impairments, or to assess the risk of certain diseases or conditions.
Medication Administration. The process of providing medications to students in accordance with a physician's orders.
Injury and Illness Assessment. The evaluation of a student's condition in order to determine the best course of treatment.
Health Education. The process of providing information to students and families regarding health topics, such as proper nutrition and health safety practices.
Emergency Response. The process of providing medical assistance to students in the event of an emergency.
Mental Health Services. Services provided to students with mental health issues, such as counseling and case management.
Referrals. The process of referring a student to another healthcare provider for specialized care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become a school nurse?

To become a school nurse, typically a registered nurse (RN) with a bachelor's degree in nursing and a valid nursing license is required.

What kind of duties do school nurses perform?

School nurses provide care for students' physical and mental health needs, including monitoring chronic conditions, administering medications, and providing health education.