Becoming an Elementary School Nurse: Career Guide
February 21, 2025
Elementary school nurses are unsung heroes in the healthcare field. These professionals provide both direct care and emotional support to students while taking on a diverse range of administrative tasks. Their duties go far beyond providing first aid; they also promote student health and wellness outside of the classroom so students can learn well inside of it.
If you are passionate about child healthcare, becoming a school nurse can prove a highly rewarding decision that allows you to positively impact students, their families, and your entire community. Discover what an elementary school nurse does, what makes this role so compelling, how to break into this profession, and how to build a satisfying career.
Elementary School Nursing vs. Other School Nurse Roles
Being an elementary school nurse is unlike any other job, even other school nursing jobs. Younger children require more hands-on care for minor injuries, asthma, and allergies, as well as age-appropriate emotional support. Middle school, high school, and university students are better able to regulate their emotions but often face more complex medical, mental health, and substance abuse challenges.
Nurses at the elementary level may communicate more closely with families and staff, as their students are not old enough to manage their own medical conditions. Additionally, many health conditions first emerge during early childhood, requiring elementary school nurses to collaborate with healthcare professionals to assess and address students’ needs.
Understanding the Role of an Elementary School Nurse
The primary responsibility of an elementary school nurse is to provide direct healthcare for both acute and chronic illnesses. In addition, this role may involve creating care plans, conducting health screenings, communicating with families and other health professionals, and educating staff and families on health-related topics.
The most effective elementary school nurses know how to build strong relationships with students and families. They help create a nurturing environment where young children feel comfortable and open to learning.
Educational Requirements and Certifications
All elementary school nurses must be registered nurses. This requires earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited university and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Along with obtaining a nursing license, you can boost your career prospects with these additional certifications:
- Nationally Certified School Nurse (NCSN)
Certified Pediatric Nurse
Some states have specific certification requirements for school nurses, which must be completed either before starting a position or within the first few years of employment.
Elementary Nursing Jobs with GHR Education
Essential Skills and Qualities
Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for an elementary school nurse. You will also need a great deal of patience and empathy, especially with young children who may need help regulating their emotions when they are hurting.
Since you may manage a great number of records and care plans, you also need organizational and critical thinking skills. Finally, you must be able to remain calm and take quick action when students experience medical emergencies.
Pathways to a Career in Elementary School Nursing
Are you wondering how you can pivot your nursing career into elementary school work? The following steps can help you break into this field.
Gain Practical Experience
The nursing specialties most closely related to elementary school nursing are pediatrics and community health. By working in a pediatric clinic, hospital, or community health program, you can develop critical skills like building trust with children and families, educating community members, and treating common childhood health conditions.
Network With School Health Professionals
Leverage social media networks like LinkedIn and attend job fairs to connect with others in the field and find job opportunities. Additionally, consider joining a professional organization like the National Association of School Nurses (NASN). Many of these organizations host conferences, trainings, and events designed to help you learn more about school nursing and network directly with active and retired school nurses.
Tailor Your Resume for School Nursing Roles
Use powerful action verbs and quantifiable achievements on your school nurse resume to describe your experience in:
- Working with children and families
- Conducting health screenings
- Handling emergency situations
- Coordinating community health events and initiatives
- Managing cases and health records, especially in pediatric settings
You can also include a separate section to highlight any certifications you have earned, such as a CSN, NBCSN, CPN, or first aid certification.
Research School Districts and Their Needs
Research each school district’s student health services web page to understand its priorities for students and families. Additionally, review local regulations and staffing requirements, as these will define your scope of practice and ensure you provide compliant care.
Leverage Staffing Agencies
As a specialty staffing agency, GHR Educations helps registered nurses transition into elementary school nursing by streamlining the job search process. We connect you with opportunities that align with your career goals and provide the tools and resources needed for success.
Career Outlook and Advancement Opportunities
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists educational services as one of the top employers of registered nurses. The nursing profession as a whole is projected to grow by 6% between 2023 and 2033, with nursing roles in educational settings experiencing a growth rate of 1.3% in the same time frame.
Just over 34% of public school nurses earn $60,000 per year or more. Almost half (45%) of those in the profession earn between $40,000 and $60,000 per year. Still, multiple factors influence school nurse pay, including geographic location and the scope of practice or level of responsibility given to a school nurse.
If you want to advance your career beyond the school level, you might become a lead school nurse who supervises and mentors nurses at multiple campuses. You could also transition into an administrative or advisory role at the district level or move into a public health role, researching communities and advising policymakers.
Advancing Your Career With GHR
If you’re ready to begin a fulfilling career as a school nurse, GHR Education can connect you with a position that matches your skills and goals.
When you partner with us, you’ll have access to extensive resources and personalized support from a team committed to advancing your career, from the application and interview stage to the final offer. Our guide to help you prepare for school nurse interviews is a great place to start. You can also, contact us today or explore our current job opportunities through GHR Education.
Elementary Nursing Jobs with GHR Education
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Elementary School Nurse Frequently Asked Questions
Elementary school nurses provide direct care for acute and chronic illnesses, conduct health screenings, develop care plans, and educate students, families, and staff on health-related topics. They also play a key role in emotional support and health advocacy for young children.
To become an elementary school nurse, you must be a registered nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Some states require additional school nurse certifications, such as the Nationally Certified School Nurse (NCSN) credential.
Key skills include strong communication, patience, empathy, critical thinking, and organizational abilities. School nurses must also be able to handle medical emergencies calmly and efficiently while supporting children’s emotional and physical well-being.
To enter this field, consider gaining experience in pediatrics or community health, networking with school health professionals, tailoring your resume for school nurse roles, and researching school district health services to understand their priorities.
The nursing profession is projected to grow by 6% between 2023 and 2033, with roles in educational settings growing at 1.3%. Many school nurses earn between $40,000 and $60,000 per year, with opportunities to advance into leadership, public health, or district-level administrative roles.
Search, manage, and apply to healthcare education jobs across the US.
With GHRLive!, your career is in your hands. Literally.
