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Choosing a School Nursing Career
What Does a School Nurse Do?
School nurses deal with immediate health issues of students and staff, from peanut allergy reactions to accessing fevers. Students with chronic illness and disabilities rely on nurses for services like monitoring diabetes and asthma, dispensing medicine, and feeding tube assistance. You must ensure students meet school health requirements including immunizations. Other tasks include screening tests for health conditions, creating the school's disaster preparedness and emergency service plan, and providing health education.
Education & Training Required to Become a School Nurse
Each state has specific school nurse requirements. At a minimum, school nurses must complete a two-to-three year associate degree in nursing (ADN) via school nursing degree programs. Most states require a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, and some states require a master's degree. You can find online degree programs for each of these options as well as degree programs specifically in school nursing. All school nurses must hold a registered nursing (RN) license and must pass a national licensing exam--the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).
Typical Characteristics of a School Nurse
School nurses must be compassionate and caring. A school nurse must be an excellent communicator, able to build and maintain relationships. This specialization requires a self-motivated individual who can juggle a variety of tasks. The professional autonomy of a school nurse makes this a desired role for an independently minded person.
High Demand For School Nurses
The overall demand for registered nurses is expected to grow 22 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While the demand for school nurses is high--only 13 states meet the National Association of School Nurses' recommended nurse-to-student ratio--tight school budgets can limit hiring.
Nationwide, RNs earned a median annual salary of $62,450 in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some school nurses may earn less than nurses in clinical settings, but these jobs remain competitive because predictable hours and an educational environment are coveted. Often people break into this field by working as substitute school nurses.
Registered Nurse Degree Programs
With convenient class locations as well as online learning, University of Phoenix makes quality higher education highly accessible. Whether you're seeking an associate's, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, we can help you reach your goal while you work-and much sooner than you might expect.
Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.
Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.
Take your career to new heights with Colorado Tech Online! Since 1965, Colorado Technical University has helped thousands of students achieve success in business, management and technology careers. Learn more today.
South University enjoys a long-standing tradition of excellence in education and personalized student attention. Enjoy the convenience of earning your bachelor's degree entirely online.
We keep our tuition affordable because it is an integral part of the overall mission for our university. The vision of our Chancellor, Jerry Falwell Jr., is to keep Liberty's Distance Learning Program affordable so as many individuals as possible can experience a Christ-centered education and become equipped for excellence, professionally as well as spiritually.
Flexible. Convenient. Affordable. Enroll at Independence University (IU) and enjoy the ease of studying at home, whiletraveling, or when stationed abroad. IU's accredited programsare proven, effective alternatives to a traditional classroomeducation. Speak with an IU Enrollment Advisor to create afinancial roadmap and payment schedule. You'll be surprised athow quickly an investment in your education pays for itself.
Advance in the nursing profession with Jacksonville University Online! JU offers a comprehensive degree program that allows nurses to complete their BSN - with 100% online lectures.
Earn your Master's degree online from a prestigious and innovative university. Norwich University offers programs in Justice Administration, Civil Engineering, Military History, Business Administration, Diplomacy, and more.
Take control of your career at Herzing College in Birmingham, Alabama. Day and evening classes are offered in Business, Design/CAD, Electronics/Telecommunications and Information Technology.
Advance your nursing career with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Health Care Systems Management (HCSM) from Loyola University New Orleans Online.
Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at half the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.
