School Nurse Job Description

It is one of the most noble medical jobs, being a nurse and caring for the sick and the needy especially if they are school kids. The job involves mostly providing primary health care for school children and to inculcate health and hygiene awareness. Like most nurses, the nurse is the first contact a patient has with professional medical help when in need of medical attention. One of the qualities required when dealing with children and young adults is patience, and it is important that a school nurse has this. Providing medical care under a school can be very tasking at times, due to the unavailability of sophisticated diagnostic equipment. The school nurse has to be extremely vigilant and knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of infectious diseases because the school setting makes it vulnerable for an outbreak.

Educational Qualification

Education is instrumental in providing an individual specialized training, and it also comes handy when securing a job that pays well. It is an important job application criteria that the individual applying for a school nurse job has completed a certain level of education and has the necessary licenses to practice as a nurse. If you are planning for a career as a school nurse, it is recommended that you at least have a bachelor's degree. The job does not involve dealing with complex medical problems, and the role lacks standardized requirements. This makes it possible for the job applicants to have training in vocational programs as well as doctorates to apply for a school nurse job. The school nurse must however complete a state approved nursing program in practical nursing. These programs are offered by vocational training institutes, nursing schools and community colleges. After completion of this yearlong program, the individuals then have to take the National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX-PN to be able to practice as licensed practical nurse.

Job Description of a School Nurse

In a school setting, they are the first line of health care and provide basic medical care and prevention measures. Taking vital signs and providing basic medication are some of the duties of a school nurse. Administering allergy medication is one of the most common duties of a school nurse, the other is providing first aid for bruises and cuts. The middle school environment is such that a nurse has to deal with children who fall and cut themselves while playing games and during lunch hours. Most kids dread the idea of medication and a school nurses has to be very patient and tactful when dealing with young patients. A school nurse has to deal with a range of students from toddlers to young adults and needs effective communication skills in dealing with this varied age group. Asthma and Diabetes are a few conditions that are prevalent in school kids and a nurse is required to handle any such situation that may arise from these conditions. The nurse is required to administer medication that may alleviate the pain experienced under these condition or take a decision to move the patient to the nearest medical facility, which is equipped to deal with such an emergency. The school nurse may also be called upon to run immunization programs and kids' health awareness lectures. Teenage pregnancy is also one sensitive issue which a nurse has to deal with, and the school nurse is expected to provide medical advise along with some good counseling. Sex education, alcohol and drug addiction awareness programs are also some areas where a school nurse can contribute. Obesity is on the rise among American children and devising an individualized diet plan and healthy eating habit programs is something that a school nurse may be called upon to do.

The job also involves dealing with children, hence a nurse should possess personal qualities such as patience and sympathy. A fervor to serve children who cannot care for themselves will go a long way in making a successful and satisfying career as a school nurse.