Is it your goal to become a school nurse in New Jersey? To accomplish that, you must meet specific requirements. After obtaining the necessary licenses, becoming a school nurse can be a rewarding career.
What does a school nurse do?
The services provided by school nurses benefit students, teachers, and school personnel. Besides routine screenings of vision, hearing, and weight, school nurses monitor students with chronic illnesses like asthma and diabetes. In addition, school nurses can provide first aid and provide training on various health-related topics to school staff. Other school nurse responsibilities can include:
- Providing care to students.
- Supporting student attendance.
- Communicating with healthcare providers.
- Creating individualized care plans.
Aside from general health care, school nurses administer pre-participation physicals for middle school and high school athletes and conduct screenings for preschool and kindergarten admission. Also, school nurses help school personnel with health problems and organize programs designed to lose weight, manage hypertension, and cope with stress.
What requirements are there to become a school nurse?
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
The New Jersey Board of Nursing and the Department of Education require school nurses to complete specific requirements and be licensed. First, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree or graduate from an accredited nursing program in order to become a registered nurse.
2. Become a Registered Nurse (RN)
Obtaining your nursing license requires you to apply with the New Jersey board of nursing. If you are eligible, the board will inform you if you will be allowed to take the National Council Licensure Examination, which is graded and proctored by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. This exam is mandatory for all nurses who wish to become registered nurses.
3. Meet New Jersey State Requirements for Becoming a School Nurse
The state of New Jersey allows registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree and specific coursework to become certified school nurses. If you wish to become eligible for the standard educational services certificate with a school nurse endorsement, you must hold or earn the following professional licenses, degrees, certifications, and training:
- License to practice nursing in New Jersey issued by the New Jersey State Board of Nursing;
- A bachelor’s degree in nursing;
- A current CPR and AED certification issued by an entity that the Department of Health recognizes as meeting the guidelines of the American Heart Association; and
- A complete training program in airway management, including nebulizers and inhalers, which complies with national standards
Once your nursing education is completed, you will have to start applying to jobs and getting experience. Add school nurses to your job alerts list to get notified of new job opportunities.
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