School nurses work at every level of education, from preschool through high school and college. School nurses are responsible for implementing their own multi-disciplinary approach to health care within their school. EveryNurse.org is an advertising-supported site. Any nursing program will include instruction in the classroom and clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed RN. The core curriculum for a BSN degree spans a range of topics, including caring for populations throughout their lifespan, from newborn through pediatric to adult nursing care. School nursing is a type of community nursing, or nursing outside … Additional specialty areas include: Most states require that a school nurse acquire and maintain certification through the state’s Department of Health or the Department of Education. Bachelor's degree programs will offer the most clinical practice and may allow you to practice in different settings, such as nursing facilities and hospitals. Some qualifications for nursing school go beyond grade point averages. Salary varies considerably according to the city and state where the school nurse finds employment. What Are the Requirements to be a School Nurse. The specific tasks of a school nurse include: The school nurse works in a variety of educational settings throughout the United States and on overseas U.S. military bases. Once the student has passed the exam, the newly certified school nurse must find a job. Where Can I Earn a School Nurse Certification in Pennsylvania? Create strategies to prevent tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drug use by students. School nurses also serve as a resource for teachers and administrators who need information about health-related topics. This option is offered by the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN). Associate's and bachelor's degree programs are more readily available than diploma programs. To achieve these goals, a school nurse must be self-motivated, organized, a critical thinker, and a problem-solver. Although today’s children possess conveniences very different from those in the earliest days of education in the United States, in many ways, their lives are more stressful. During a BSN program, students gain knowledge in theoretical-based topics, but also in evidence-based skills. In addition, a good candidate can establish specific plans for promoting wellness. Nurses must be self-motivated and dedicated. In their position, school nurses usually work independently; therefore, it’s essential that their training prepares them to act as the single resource for an entire student population. Discuss the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases with older students and implement prevention programs. You must also be licensed as a registered nurse … However, any of the three options will help you to meet the requirements for state licensing. Many nurses find that one good way to gain experience and develop a good reputation is to apply for work as a school nurse substitute. What Courses Do I Need to Take to Become a School Nurse? Upon graduation, students sit for the National Council Licensure Examination, which is also known as the NCLEX-RN. National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN), National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Working as a school nurse requires organization, as you will often handle many cases throughout the day and school year. Work with the principal and teachers to create the health education curriculum. The criteria that may qualify a candidate for an entry-level position vary from one state and county to the next and even between one school and the next. The demand for school nurses as a specific profession is difficult to predict in advance. Because the nurse plays such an integral role in the school, school nurses must be able to work with a variety of people. The original role of the school nurse was to routinely check students for illness and determine their potential for having a contagious condition that required immediate treatment and isolation from other students. When choosing a program, it's important to choose one that is approved by the state in which you will be licensed. To be eligible for the NBCSN certification exam, you need to hold a current nursing license, have at least a bachelor's degree in nursing and meet clinical experience requirements. Additionally, school nurses are required to complete a set number of hours of continuing education, the number of which varies by state as well. However, in every state, to become a RN, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). A minimum of 1,000 hours of clinical experience or a total of three years of full-time academic experience is required to become eligible to seek certification as a school nurse. In addition, nurses are expected to maintain and organize accurate health records. Only students who meet the criteria for state licensure can take the NCLEX examination. Flexibility is a must because you will be treating students with a scope of needs. Where Can I Earn a Computer Programming Degree Online? All rights reserved. For many people, the benefits enjoyed by school nurses offset the lower annual pay as compared to nurses who work in other health care environments. You may also consider becoming certified in school nursing. To help protect the public in health care settings, the examination contains questions that test nursing candidates to ensure they have received the training and possess the skill set necessary to become a successful school nurse. An ADN program typically takes two years to complete and is designed to prepare students for the demands of a career as a registered nurse (RN). School nurses must also have the ability to work inside and outside the school nurse office to help students. After applying for the license and receiving the examination test information, the student is eligible to register for the exam. After the invention and widespread implementation of vaccines and antibiotics, the role of the school nurse evolved. Equality in education can be achieved only when students are physically and emotionally well. Read on to learn more about the requirements to become a school nurse. Since every school needs a school nurse on staff, those who can’t find employment in their immediate area may find a position outside their own district in a neighboring system. Nursing students are also taught to collaborate and communicate with colleagues and other professionals to help patients meet their healthcare goals. In addition to this core curriculum, nurses are exposed to a range of innovations in technology that help advance their practice. Certification as a school nurse is available through organizations, such as the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN, www.nbcsn.org). The work of a school nurse may involve accessing students for injuries or illnesses, stopping the spread of communicable diseases or conditions, such as head lice, and implementing activities to keep the school environment as healthy as possible. © EveryNurse, LLC. Associate Degree in Nursing Requirements. After achieving this milestone, the candidate must pass the certification exam. Before taking the NCLEX exam, students must first apply for a nursing license from the board of nursing in their home state. 3 Supplementary Nursing Qualifications. The school nurse plays an invaluable role within the education setting. What Does an Air Conditioning Technician Do? The experience helps nurses acquire the background necessary to perform independently in a school setting. Certification at the federal level is available but is not universally required. This means you must fulfill the requirements for becoming a registered nurse (RN). As a school nurse, you'll work in an educational setting and care for students and faculty members. Thorough preparation and practice can lead to a fulfilling role in a highly regarded school. Nurses should be able to provide examples that demonstrate their adaptability and flexibility as well as their ability to stay organized and clear-headed in any situation. Jobs are typically made available through the school district or local public health department. A minimum of 1,000 hours of clinical experience or a total of three years of full-time academic experience is required to become eligible to seek certification as a school nurse. Do you have a point of view to share? What Skills Are Needed to Become a Nurse? Typically, private schools hire their nurse directly through the school. Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **PayScale.com. A BSN degree is designed to give future school nurses a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of nursing. Effective school nurses possess a genuine love for children. Become part of the educational team that designs an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for students with disabilities. Conduct vision and hearing screenings as well as other routine health checks. Student nurses often also study psychiatric and gerontological nursing. Working independently is important for school nurses. A school nurse typically works fewer than eight hours a day, a time frame that corresponds to the length of the school day. A good school nurse takes a proactive approach in promoting and implementing school-wide wellness plans.