A Quick Overview Of School Nursing

One area of nursing that is often overlooked by nursing students when considering their field of specialty is that of the school nurse

. At all levels of the educational system, school nurses help to ensure the safety and well-being of the nation's school children and staff, while also encouraging and promoting an environment conducive to healthy learning. In fact, the main objective for school nurses is to promote greater success in the educational process for every student in their charge. For nurses who enjoy interacting with children of all ages, a career in school nursing offers many rewards.

School nursing jobs can be found in both private and public schools, as well as within the administrative offices of many school districts. Because this type of nursing takes place in a setting other than a hospital or medical facility and serves a well-defined group, it is often referred to as a form of community nursing. For those who serve in the role, the job allows them a much greater degree of freedom than many other forms of nursing, and enables them to exercise not only their nursing skills but their office management skills as well.

The first image that comes to many people's minds when they hear the words "school nurse" is that of the person students go to when they suffer an injury or run a slight fever. While this is part of a nurse's role, nursing within the school environment entails a far broader range of skills than basic medical intervention.

School nurses also find themselves responsible for working with school faculty to promote student development in the areas of both physical and mental health. This involves tracking student immunizations, screening for various illnesses, and taking the lead role when it comes to encouraging an overall focus on health within the school environment. Working with parents, educators, and administration officials, the nurse plays a critical part in the promotion of that environment!

To be a school nurse, you must have a degree as an RN (registered nurse), as well as meet any other requirements set forth by your particular state standards. Those requirements may include a master's or bachelor's degree, as well as teaching certification. There is also certification available at the national level, though that is a voluntary program. In addition to the basic educational requirements and standards, any RN interested in school nursing should have an independent work ethic, as well as basic management skills in supervision of others and proper delegation of tasks.

Most school nursing positions are either filled through the superintendents of the schools themselves, or by the area's educational board or health department. The salary for school nurses encompasses a fairly broad range depending upon the school type and location, as well as the experience level of the nurse. The median income is in excess of forty thousand dollars. For many nurses interested in this field of nursing, however, the more important focus will be on the predicted demand for school nurses. With the health needs of the nation's school children becoming ever more complex with each passing year, the demand for highly competent school nurses is expected to be strong for the foreseeable future.

by: Karen Williams

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