School Nurse

Career Guide
A School Nurse supports student health and safety during the school day. They provide first aid, manage chronic conditions, coordinate care with families and healthcare providers, and help the school prevent illness and respond to emergencies.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide first aid and assess injuries and illnesses
  • Administer medications and follow medication safety procedures
  • Create and maintain student health plans for chronic conditions
  • Monitor immunization compliance and health records
  • Respond to emergencies and coordinate with local emergency services
  • Support students with disabilities and accommodations related to health needs
  • Communicate with parents and caregivers about health concerns
  • Coordinate with physicians and clinics for care plans and documentation
  • Support infection prevention and health education efforts
  • Maintain confidential documentation and comply with student privacy rules

Top Skills for Success

Clinical Assessment
Triage
Medication Administration
Care Coordination
Emergency Response
Pediatric Health Knowledge
Chronic Disease Management
Health Documentation
Confidentiality
Communication
De-escalation
Cultural Sensitivity

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Lead School Nurse
Nurse Case Manager
Public Health Nurse
Nurse Educator
Clinical Nurse Supervisor
Transition Opportunities
Pediatric Nurse
Community Health Nurse
Occupational Health Nurse
Care Coordinator
Health Program Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Behavioral Health SupportTrauma-informed CareCare Plan WritingData TrackingFamily EngagementAssistive Device SupportAllergy Management
Development SuggestionsBuild confidence with student behavioral health support, strengthen care plan writing and documentation habits, and practice emergency scenarios such as anaphylaxis and asthma. Seek mentorship from an experienced school nurse and align processes with district policies.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry Level$45,000 to $60,000
Mid Level$60,000 to $80,000
Senior Level$80,000 to $105,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand, driven by ongoing school health needs, student mental health support, and staffing shortages in nursing in many regions.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
Public School DistrictsCharter School NetworksPrivate SchoolsSpecial Education SchoolsRegional Education Service AgenciesHealthcare Staffing Agencies
Industry Sectors
K-12 EducationSpecial Education ServicesPublic HealthSchool Health ServicesStaffing and Workforce Solutions

Recommended Next Steps

1
Confirm required nursing license for your state and school setting
2
Earn Basic Life Support certification
3
Complete First Aid training focused on children
4
Pursue a school nursing credential if available in your state
5
Refresh skills in allergy management and asthma management
6
Develop a consistent documentation workflow for student visits and care plans
7
Create a reference checklist for common school health situations
8
Join a school nurse professional association for training and job leads