How to Become a School Nurse

With more issues of health on the rise in our children, more and more school boards are now requiring a school nurse to be on the school premises during the school hours. If you enjoy working in the health field or working around children, this job is the one to be had. However, there are a few steps to take before you reach the school nurse level. Below I have set out in a step by step guide on what you need to do to become a school nurse.

Step 1:
It's time to go back to school. If you do not already have your RN (registered nurse) license the you will need to contact a college of your choice and being taking classes in their nurses program. To become an RN you will more then likely be in school for at least three to four years. If you have your RN license then you are good to go.

Step 2:
Once you have your RN certification (degree) under your belt it is time to contact the school board that runs the school you are trying to seek work in. There you will find out what you need to do and where you need to go to become a nurse in the school of your choice.

Step 3:
Some school boards may require you to have experience in the nursing field before working at one of their schools. If this is the case, and you will not know until you have contacted the school board, then you will need to currently seek employment in either a nursing home or hospital to get at least 3-5 years of experience under your belt.

Step 4:
Some school boards will require you to take workshops, conferences and seminars before you become a school nurse, however there are some that don't. If your school board wants you to take these classes, then you will have to do so, however if they do not require you to take them I suggest you seek these types of workshops anyway. Most school boards will suggest a few workshops for you, and if they do not require you to take them and you go ahead and do, this will give you a one up on the competition because you have extra experience under your belt.

Step 6:
A good tip is to visit the school you will be interviewing and working at before hand. Talk to other teachers, explore the halls and rooms, pick the old nurse's brain if their is a nurse you will be replacing. This will give you a feel of the school and an idea if you really want to work at that school.

Step 7:
This is a general way about becoming a school nurse, however, each state, each county, each city and even each school has a different policy on what they want from a school nurse. Please contact your local school board and the school you want so you will have all the information.