Can a LPN be a school nurse?

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Jul 29, 2004

My daughter has a LVN as her nurse. There are several LVN's that work in the schools here but they all work under a RN.:) (N. Texas)

therealnurse · Jul 29, 2004

Thats what I was wondering, cause I wanted to work in a school, but wouldnt mind working under an RN. They should do the same deal here in Arizona right? And what else is required other then just your licensing, you know?

HisTreasure, BSN, RN · Jul 29, 2004

One of the nurses at my children's daycare is an LPN. The other, of course, is a RN. The LPN got her job just by filling out the application. She has no specialized training, but she is an excellent nurse!

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Jul 29, 2004

In Virginia, LPNs and RNs both are school nurses, but the pay for both is a few dollars more than minimum wage, no joke.

therealnurse · Jul 30, 2004

Well, I might look more into it when I get closer to getting my LPN cause that is something I would like to do. I get my LPN in May 2005 so that is in about 10 more months, but it doesnt hurt to find out if its possible now, right? Thx I appreciate the help. Now its just time to pass my 1st 2 blocks of Nursing. Hope I do ok

ohlpn · Jul 30, 2004

I could be wrong, but I was told by a school nurse a few years ago, that in the state of Ohio you must be an RN with a teaching degree. However, I am aware of some LPN school nurses in very small, rural school districts here.

I too wanted to be a school nurse, but I had to opt for the higher salary in our community. Recently retired from long term care.

Dixiedi · Jul 31, 2004

I could be wrong, but I was told by a school nurse a few years ago, that in the state of Ohio you must be an RN with a teaching degree. However, I am aware of some LPN school nurses in very small, rural school districts here.
I too wanted to be a school nurse, but I had to opt for the higher salary in our community. Recently retired from long term care.

I too am in Ohio and around here, the schools with special needs kids will use an agency LPN (who works with some of the kids during off school hours) when the regular school nurse is off. Of course, this is not a regular school nurse job but it is a foot in the door if that's the way you want to go. Can't hurt to ask your school district of somebody "in the know" in your area.

kristyw4 · Aug 2, 2004

I thought in some states that you had to have your Masters and be an RN? Not sure though. :imbar

That would be fun to work with kids even though the pay is probably low. Good job to have if you are raising school agers because the hours are similar!

Todd SPN · Aug 3, 2004

In my state you used to have to be an RN, but I have heard it has changed. Pay is low, but great bennies and retirement. I would call the HR director of a school district near you and ask. They should know.

therealnurse · Aug 15, 2004

Ok, will check that out, thank you.

smk1, LPN · Aug 16, 2004

I am right on the border between oregon and washington. In portland you must be an RN (ADN or BSN OR MSN) to be the "school nurse", but lpns can be special needs nurses for individual kids with severe health problems that need more one on one care. Also there are non licensed individuals called school health assistants that help the RNs out in parttime positions in many schools and LPNs could apply for this position as well.

in vancouver i have heard that ylu must be na RN with a BSN or higher to be the school nurse, But because of the growing shortage it is going to just be "strongly preferred" for awhile. (my friends mom and dad are both vice-principals in the area so this is where this info is coming from.