What is school nursing?
Caregiver | Advocate | Educator | Problem-Solver
School nurses play a critical role in supporting the health, wellness, and academic success of students nationwide.
They address critical healthcare needs, ensuring that students can thrive in the classroom and beyond. The challenges students face today—from chronic illnesses to mental health struggles—demand comprehensive, accessible care, which school nurses uniquely provide. With over 25% of students managing chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy, the presence of a school nurse ensures these children can thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
School nurses are responsible for the health of children by, including, but not limited to:
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Assessing the severity of illness or injury in students.
- Distributing medications to student that is provided and approved by their parents and healthcare providers.
- Caring for students with chronic conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy/seizures, asthma, allergies/anaphylaxis, and others.
- Ensuring all students are up to date on their vaccinations/immunizations.
- Directing the provision of health services within the school.
- Screening students for vision, hearing, and other potential health issues.
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Preventing and controlling the spread of communicable diseases.
- Connecting students and their families to relevant health resources.
- Providing mental health support to students in need.
- Collecting health data in schools to provide to local, state, and national officials.
- Promotion of overall school community health through education and wellness initiatives.
And of course, providing urgent, episodic care to students including band-aids or ice packs to children with cuts, scrapes, and bruises. (NASN 2025)