FNP in school systems

[bayouchick02]

I was wondering if FNP's can work in the school setting (elementary through high school)?? I think this is something that I would be very interested in doing. If so, how would I go about getting a job like that and is job availability dependent on different areas of the country or would I be able to do that anywhere?? I am currently in my first semester of the FNP program and I'm just curious about different job opportunities.

Thanks!!!!

[pro_student_2010]

nps (including fnps) certainly can and do work in school settings although this depends greatly on location and school system. a least a few public school systems across the country actually have primary care clinics within the school itself. these are often in underserved and/or low-income areas where kids are much less likely to get routine medical care otherwise. i know new york and connecticut both have these school-based primary care clinics. this is obviously a growing trend. there is an article in pediatrics on the topic (if you can get access to it through your school i would highly recommend giving it a read). i also know of several primary care clinics that arrange "clinic days" at schools for the same purpose. virtually all the jobs i've seen for school nurse practitioners do not show a preference for pnps vs. fnps which would be good news for you.

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

My district has FNPs or PNPs who work at the "school based clinics" that are attached to several of the schools. They work very, very hard for our kids and I appreciate everything they do! This is a role that I have considered myself, as I hope to begin applying for NP programs for next fall. This is a much needed, underserved population in many areas. Kudos to you for wanting to work with these kids!