Learn About School Nursing

What you'll do: School nursing focuses exclusively on the students and staff of a public or private school or school district. This type of nursing career allows you to support not just the physical well being of children, but also their academic success and life-long achievement.

Degree you'll need to practice: Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) (depends upon state-by-state standards)

Certification: State certification may be required. Many school nurses also complete a voluntary program to earn National Certified School Nurse (NCSN) credentials. This national certification program is provided through the National Board for Certification of School Nurses.

Average annual salary: $57,000

Cities where jobs are often found: Boston, Las Vegas, Houston, Cleveland and Baltimore

School nurses are registered nurses (RNs). Beyond this basic requirement, every state has different education and certification standards, so it's important to learn your state's requirements before choosing a school nursing program.

To become a school nurse, you will need to acquire these skills and meet these requirements:

• You will need to develop advanced skills, including the ability to practice independently, supervise others and delegate care in a community setting.
• You will need either a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) or a master's degree (MSN). Some states require a bachelor's degree and others require a master's degree, so you'll need to research the requirement in your state.
• You may be required to achieve certification as an RN as well as teacher certification.
• You may also pursue an interdisciplinary education to earn a Master's Degree in Education, Public Health or Counseling.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there an increasing need and demand for school health services, including school nurses. Today's students have more diverse and complex health problems, as well as problems caused by immigration, homelessness, divorce, remarriage, poverty, substance abuse and violence. School nursing play a critical role in coordinating school responses to all these issues.
_{Sources:
National Association of School Nurses, 2008
American Academy of Pediatrics - Committee on School Health, 2008
Indeed.com, 2011}