You can’t learn if you’re not healthy.
As another school year gets under way, the role of nurses as key members of academic teams comes to the forefront. As noted by the National Association of School Nurses (NASN), the vital role of these healthcare professionals covers a lot of ground, from providing routine care to managing chronic conditions and promoting a healthy school environment.
More telling statistics from NASN include:
- More than a quarter of today’s students live with chronic health conditions.
- Twenty-three percent of children have been diagnosed with behavioral or mental health conditions – with school nurses often being the first to spot these issues.
- Schools employing full-time nurses experience lower rates of student absenteeism, higher graduation rates, and fewer early dismissals due to illness.
- Every dollar invested in school nurses saves $2.20 in medical costs and lost productivity for teachers and parents.
Meeting Critical Student Healthcare Needs
During the course of their day, school nurses fulfil a variety of responsibilities to meet students’ healthcare needs. These include:
- Providing first aid, emergency and ongoing care: Everything from cleaning up minor playground injuries to administering needed medications, managing more complicated chronic conditions, and coordinating care with EMTs, hospitals, and other providers if unexpected illnesses or injuries occur.
- Conducting routine health screenings: These may include vision, hearing, or any other concerns that could possibly impact students’ learning abilities.
- Maintaining records: Ensuring that students’ health records, including immunization information, are accurate and up to date.
- Compliance: Ensuring that schools are in compliance with health laws and regulations, in addition to district policies.
- Community liaison: Serving as a connection between students, families, and the local community when it comes to valuable health information and resources.
What it Takes to Be a School Nurse
In addition to being a bachelor’s degree level registered nurse (BSN), in some states, specific certification or licensing is required for school nurses. Some positions also mandate a certain number of clinical hours. Additional requirements may include background checks, continuing education, or professional organization membership. The specifics vary both by state and by school district.
School Nurse Salaries
Salary estimates vary somewhat for school nurses. Geographic location and various other factors come into play. But to help complete the salary picture:
- Zip Recruiter notes that as of December 2024, school nurses in the U.S. earned an average of $67,035 a year, or $32 an hour.
- Salary.com placed school nurse annual salaries this year at an average of $56.707.
- Nurse.org offers a state-by-state school nurse salary breakdown.
Need a School Nurse?
Covelo Group’s expert recruiters specialize in matching top-qualified BSNs with schools and districts across the U.S. Reach out to us today to learn more.
Interested in Your Next School Nurse Role?
Let Covelo Group help as you realize your school nursing career vision. Don’t just be recruited. Be hand selected for the job you’ve been waiting for. We look forward to helping you make it happen.
