Beginning a career in school nursing

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Hello, I am new to this forum and am interested in becoming a school nurse. Currently I'm a neonatal ICU nurse. My state does not require certification to be a school nurse, and my only experience is in a NICU setting. Is it common to not need certification? There are some course/training hour requirements in my state but they are very vague and not very rigorous. I'd like to complete a certification program so that I would be qualified, since this would be a big career change for me. Is it better to just do an internship with a school nurse rather than pay for a program, or is it better to be certified, even if it means I will have to do an online program and get certified in another state? Thank you!

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Specializes in School nurse.

Your right certification requirements (or not) vary widely depending on the state. In NJ the cert is from the department of education and the college programs satisfy NJ requirements. I say this because if your certified by say by PA then NJ doesn't recognize it. Your best best is to either find a preceptor or even better, sub. Subs are very hard to find, you gain a wealth of knowledge, and after subbing for awhile can decide if you like the specialty. If you want some background knowledge brush up on public health nursing, get the Selekman school nursing book, school nursing law, educational psych, growth and development books, type 1 DM, seizures, and asthma. Good luck!

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Thank you! I just ordered a school nursing textbook. I'd love to sub, but wonder if I'm even qualified to do that coming from the NICU? As a sub how much orientation do you usually receive?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, School Nursing.

Before working full time as a school nurse, I subbed for the district I'm in now for about 4 years -- the district didn't offer an orientation, but I called two of the nurses and asked if I could shadow them for a day or two before accepting any days to fill in for them.

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The only school nurse experience I had before landing a school nurse job was my clinical during nursing school. I find that a lot of school nurses are trial by fire which can be off-putting and kind of frightening. I agree with the advice to find good books that introduce you to school nursing vs getting certified that may cost some money but not really provide a benefit. I like, "School Nursing: A comprehensive text." Subbing is also a good idea although I wasn't able to do that.

Good luck on your journey!

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Specializes in School Nurse, professor, OBGYN.

Study triage nursing and public health issues. You know your ABCs and you know how to do vital signs. Also brush up on first aid. You can take a course almost anywhere.

No you do not need a certification, we just need a BSN in the state of Texas. Subbing is definitely a great idea as well.

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