Nurses have become a part of school's nationwide, and have been a part of them since the early 1800's. A school nurse provides inspections of students to help identify a communicable disease that requires certain treatment. The role of these nurses has gone to new levels since the invention of vaccines as well as antibiotics which are designed to prevent diseases in children.
Now with children experiencing chronic diseases as well as other mental issues, nurses are forced to gain knowledge in not only sickness, but also mental health as well as pediatric health. There is an increased demand for nurses in schools nowadays, and that has led more and more jobs to open up for those in the nursing field.
Roles of a School Nurse:
One of the main roles of a school nurse is to support learning in students. This is done by promoting healthy students and incorporating strategies to help keep students healthy. School nurses also ensure that all staff remains healthy as well. School nurses also are in charge of coordinating health programs in the school in the following ways.
• Health Education - students are educated as well as staff and all parents on various health issues and how to prevent them
• Health Services - offers nursing care and is the source of coordinating health service programs
• Healthy Environments - promotes a social environment that is nurturing and safe for students as well as staff
• Physical Education/Activity - promotes activities such as sports and other activities
• Nutritional Services - promotes healthy eating to students
• Parent/Community Involvement - promotes the community to become involved in their children and promotes a healthy school environment
• Counseling - offers health counseling, asses mental needs of some people, and gets students in touch with appropriate staff
Nurses often times work in schools of all sorts including
• Vocational schools
• Middle schools
• Elementary schools
• High schools
• Private schools
• Pre-schools
• Parochial schools
• Junior high schools
• Alternative schools
Qualifications:
In order to work as a school nurse, the National Nurse Association requires that all nurses obtain a Bachelor degree and you must also receive a certification. You need to have extensive knowledge in pediatric care as well as mental health and public health. You need to have the knowledge of education laws as well as health care that could impact kids in schools.
Nurses in schools have their own office setting and work by themselves. They are going to offer care to children when needed and they often times think critically and make last minute decisions about a treatment.
As far as earnings as a school nurse, the average range is $28,000 - $49,000 and this is all based on a 9-month contract. This can range from school to school as well as what the duties of a school nurse will be. This is a rewarding choice for those who enjoy working with children and young adults.
