School Nurse Jobs: Overview
As a school nurse, you provide care in educational settings. Nearly 30% of kids ages 5 to 17 are battling at least one chronic condition such as asthma and diabetes, which you help to manage. Not only do you provide direct care, but you also assist families in coordinating care, securing health insurance, and teaching families and students about available healthcare services.
If you’re looking for school nurse jobs, you’ll find full-time and part-time positions in a range of settings for your license type right here on Credenza:
School Nurse Education and Licensing
Employers tend to hire either a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) for school nursing jobs. However, you can also find opportunities for nurse practitioners (NPs) and certified medical assistants (CMAs). Check the job ad to see what license type is required.
If a school is looking to hire an RN, you’ll need to have either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, plus an unobstructed RN license. If the job is for an LPN/LVN, you’ll need to have completed an accredited program and have an unobstructed LPN/LVN license. You may also need to hold CPR and/or first aid certification.
To boost your candidacy, consider obtaining a Nationally Certified School Nurse (NCSN) credential.
School Nurse Resume and Cover Letter
To stand out as a favorable contender for a district nurse or school nurse job, make sure your resume and cover letter are tailored to the job ad. For example, an employer might prefer to hire a nurse who has knowledge of “nursing-related technology, such as insulin pumps, nebulizers, and gastronomy tubes.” If you have previous experience with those tools, be sure to include the phrase in your school nurse resume.
In your cover letter, highlight soft skills that are relevant to the role, such as patience, empathy, and the ability to deliver culturally congruent care. Not sure what else to write about? Check out our school nurse cover letter for inspiration.
Interviewing for School Nurse Positions
Whether you’re looking for elementary school or high school nurse jobs, you’ll need to win over the administration during a job interview. Just like students get nervous speaking in front of a classroom, so do job candidates get butterflies before an interview. The best way to combat any nerves? Take a look at some typical school nurse interview questions in advance.
Also research the school district and local community to learn about the values and causes that are close to their hearts. Incorporate what you learn into your answers to demonstrate your commitment.
Salary for a School Nursing Jobs
The average pay for a nurse in elementary and secondary schools is depends on your license type. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the average annual salaries:
- Nurse practitioner: $94,500
- Registered nurse: $70,720
- Licensed practical/vocational nurse: $52,810
- Nursing assistants: $38,680
- Medical assistants: $42,400
Your salary will likely depend on your level of education, years of experience, the type of school, and location. To see what school nurse jobs’ salary expectations are in your area, view the latest openings on Credenza.
Ready to Find School Nurse Jobs?
Check out all the positions available right now. Want additional options? Find out how Credenza can match you with even more nursing jobs that interest you.
