Being a school nurse is job that may be considered relaxed and less toxic compared to nurses inside the hospital, like the ones in the emergency room or operating or surgical nurses. However, there are some qualifications as well, when one wanted to become an effective school nurse.
The job involves dealing with children so a nurse should possess personal qualities such as patience and sympathy. A passion to serve children will go a long way in making a successful and satisfying career as a school nurse.
Basically, the job involves mostly providing primary health care for school children and to promote health and hygiene awareness to school children. During medical emergency in the school, a nurse is the first to contact when someone needs medical attention or needs. As a school nurse, it is important to know that one of the qualities required when dealing with children, is patience. It is a very important character that a school nurse must possess. Providing medical care under a school can be very tasking at times, due to the inaccessibility of advanced diagnostic equipment. So, the school nurse has to be vigilant and knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of infectious diseases due to the school setting makes it susceptible for an outbreak.
It is an important job application criteria that the person applying for a school nurse job has education qualification and completed a certain level of education and has the necessary licenses to practice as a nurse. So, if you are planning for a career as a school nurse, it is recommended that you at least have a bachelor’s degree. The job actually doesn’t involve dealing with complex medical procedures, and the role lacks standardized requirements. This makes it possible for the job applicants to have training in vocational programs as well as doctorates to apply for a school nurse job.
However, the school nurse should complete a state approved nursing program in practical nursing. These programs are offered by vocational training institutes, nursing schools as well as community colleges. After completion of this yearlong program, the individuals then have to take the National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX-PN to be able to practice as licensed practical nurse.
This is basically the basic step of becoming a school nurse.. If you want to be one, apply now. Good luck!
