School Nurse

School nurses are responsible for assessing students who experience illness or injury while in school and determining if a higher level of care is needed.  School nurses are governed at a state level so requirements within a state should be identical for all school nurses. In California, a school nurse services credential candidate must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from a college or university approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Holders of the School Nurse Services credential are authorized to perform the following services: 

• Conduct immunization programs pursuant to California Education Code

• Assess and evaluate the health and developmental status of pupils

• Interpret the health and developmental assessment to parents, teachers, administrators, and other professionals directly concerned with the pupil

• Design and implement individual student health maintenance plans, incorporating plans directed by a physician

• Refer the pupil and parent or guardian to appropriate community resources for necessary services

• Maintain communication with parents and all involved community practitioners and agencies to promote needed treatment and secure reports of findings pertinent to educational planning

• Interpret medical and nursing findings appropriate to the student’s individualized education program and make recommendations to professional personnel directly involved

• Consult with, conduct in-service training for, and serve as a resource person to teachers and administrators

• Develop and implement the health education curriculum

• Act as a participant in implementing a comprehensive health instruction curriculum for students

• Counsel and assist pupils and parents in health-related and school adjustment services

• Teach health-related subjects under the supervision of a classroom teacher