What is the role of a school nurse?
The role of a school nurse is to support the students, teachers, and families of the school community by providing holistic care that includes health promotion, disease prevention, illness management, and first aid.
School nurses work with students and parents to develop health plans that address each student's specific needs. School nurses also provide direct services such as administering medication or giving injections. School nurses also are responsible for coordinating health education programs for students and staff members. They also provide information about communicable diseases and vaccinations, conduct screenings for vision and hearing problems, monitor the progress of children who have chronic illnesses or special needs, administer emergency first aid to those who become ill at school or on field trips, and arrange for hospitalization if necessary.
What are the qualifications of a school nurse?
No matter the size or type of school, a school nurse is an essential part of the education team. They are responsible for providing comprehensive health care to students and staff, as well as administering medication, conducting physical exams, and offering advice on hygiene and general well-being.
The qualifications of a school nurse vary by state and school district, but typically include:
- A bachelor's degree in nursing
- A current license to practice as a registered nurse in their state
- Experience working in an elementary school setting
- Current CPR certification
How much does a school nurse make per year?
There are several factors that can affect how much a school nurse earns. The first factor is the size of the school district they work in. A school nurse in a small, rural school district may make less than one who works in a large district. In addition to the size of the district, other factors that impact how much a nurse makes include:
- The number of students in the district
- The cost of living in their state or city
- The amount of public funding for education
- The number of schools in their district
Below is a schedule of school nurse salary ranges from leading websites:
