How Important Is the Job of a School Nurse?

School nurses work in private or public schools. These nurses can support the physical health of these children, as well as their academic success. They work with a community health type of nursing program and are trained to deal with students who have actual or potential health issues.

Responsibilities

• School nurses use a proactive approach to health. They encourage the students to be healthy both mentally as well as physically, assess immunizations, provide screenings, and offer information on health conditions.

Education

• School nurses have educational backgrounds as registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, and they hold degrees from associates to doctorates. Their emphasis is on community-based and population-based health.

Abilities

• These nurses must have the ability to work independently. They must be organized, able to delegate duties to others regarding care, and able to recognize signs of possible health issues.

Extended Services

• School nurses can use this job as a way of getting health information to parents regarding their children's health, as well as their own. These nurses also can offer health information to staff.

Goal

• The goal of the school nurse is to support the learning process by promoting health issues among students, parents and staff.