The job purpose of a school nurse is mainly to work with school children and teacher and sometimes parents in order to promote healthy living
. School nurses provide a range of services and help to students.
In order to work as a school nurse you must already be a registered nurse and have direct experience with working with children. Of you possess the required skills you will then need to enrol on a specialist community health nursing or school nursing course which last one year full time or can be studied part time over two years.
To work in a school as a nurse it is essential that you enjoy working with children and have the ability to communicate with people from all different backgrounds at many different levels. The ability to be able to explain medical conditions to people with little medical knowledge is also essential. Being able to be discreet is vital for a school nurse as you will certainly be confided in by pupils from time to time.
Encouraging children to lead a healthy lifestyle is the top priority of school nurses, providing health screenings when necessary is also key to the role. Nurses also offer support to pupils with health conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, mental illness and diabetes on a regular basis.
School nurses often work alongside teachers to identify areas for concern such as substance misuse, sex education and smoking. With the help of the teachers nurses continuously work on awareness of these areas in order to improve the overall health of pupils.
There is a degree of administrative duties undertaken by school nurses such as file and record updating and keeping immunization records up to date.
It is normal for school nurses to work in a number of schools in a local area. If you intend on becoming a school nurse having a car will make things a lot easier. Many schools allow nurses to work part time and only during term time which may suit those who have their own children to look after.