School Nurse

What is a school nurse?

A school nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who provides care to students, faculty, and staff in diverse educational settings. School nurses support student health, safety, and academic success by serving in clinical, educational, and advocacy roles within the school community.

Key responsibilities of a school nurse

School nurses play a critical role in supporting students’ health, safety, and well-being.

Their responsibilities often fall into the following categories.

Clinical care and emergency response

• Assessing and responding to student illnesses, injuries, and medical emergencies
• Dispensing medications and providing treatments in accordance with physician orders and state regulations
• Supporting those with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy) during the school day

Planning and coordination

• Communicating with families, educators, and healthcare providers to coordinate student care
• Contributing to 504 plans or individualized education programs (IEPs), as appropriate
• Developing and maintaining individualized healthcare plans (IHPs) and contributing to 504 plans or IEPs as needed

Screening and prevention

• Conducting health screenings (e.g., vision, hearing, scoliosis)
• Monitoring immunization compliance and supporting communicable disease prevention

Referring students and families to healthcare or community resources when needed

Mental health and student wellbeing

• Providing crisis intervention and referrals to counseling or behavioral health services
• Supporting students’ emotional and mental health needs

Education and advocacy

• Advocating for safe, inclusive, and supportive school environments
• Promoting health education and preventive care related to topics such as nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention

How much do school nurses make?

In Connecticut, school nurses earn a median annual salary of approximately $66,000. The exact salary of a school nurse varies based on factors such as experience level and school district.

Setting and schedule

School nurses can work in elementary, middle, and high school settings, as well as specialized or alternative education centers. They typically work out of a dedicated health office within the school. However, some school nurses may be expected to travel between multiple schools, depending on the district in which they work.

School nurses usually follow a standard school-year schedule, working during regular school hours that align with the academic calendar. Some districts may require extended availability for special events, before- or after-school programs, or emergencies.

How do I become a school nurse?

School nurses typically hold an associate degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

To practice as a school nurse in Connecticut, you must hold a current, unencumbered nursing license and have professional nursing experience. You will also need relevant academic or continuing education units (CEUs) in areas such as growth and development, health assessment, community health, child/adolescent psychology, crisis intervention, or related topics.