School nurse interview questions and answers

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Jun 2, 2013

Moved to our School Nursing forum for expert advice.

amyjm3 · Jun 3, 2013

I just had an interview last week. There was a panel of interviewers and it was a little overwhelming. They each asked me 2-3 questions, 10 or more total. Always include the importance of serving the children and their families. Mention you would consult and refer to policies, procedures and care plan. If you don't know an answer you will take measures to find it. These are things you've always done in your career it just needs to be said. I printed copies of my resume and recommendation letters and had a copy

for each of them. At the end I turned the tables and asked if I could ask a few questions. I was expecting them to ask me if I had any and. When they didn' I asked if there was enough time to. My interview was under 30 minutes. Friends reminded me

to speak slowly- that helped. I'm not sure there is anything you can do to prepare for being put of the spot. I would make sure you can tell them your philosophy of school nurse's role.

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Jun 3, 2013

Do you have curent practice with diabetes and how pump therapy works? If so state that.

Are you connected in the local medical community? If so state that.

What are your certifications?

Do you have experience with chronic illness, ie you, a family member or friend? It will show (hopefully) your empathy

Do you have knowledge of HIPAA, FERPA, IDEA

Play to your strengths

Good Luck!

bell1962 · Jun 4, 2013

How do you see you role in this school?

Are you good with technology?

What would you do if it was suspected that the student was "under the influence"

What if a student came to you and thought she may be pregnant? What would you do?

What if you suspected a child was being abused?

I had this question once...what would you do if little Johnny was giggling with friends holding a box and you see that in the box was a baby bat he picked up this morning at the bus stop?

All kinds of scenarios are thrown to you...

Good luck!

BumblebeeinNC, ADN, BSN · Jul 22, 2014

Bell1962,

I have an interview this week for a school nurse position and I wondered if you would share your answers to the questions that you've posted? I'm trying to get all of the insight that I can before my interview! I work in pediatrics and school nursing is totally new to me. Thank you!

BumblebeeinNC

100kids, BSN, RN · Jul 23, 2014

I had a panel interview as well with the School Principal the district superintendent, and a parent from the district. Most of the questions they asked me were situational questions-How would you handle ______?

I don't really remember them it was years ago but I know they asked how you might handle a child who comes in all the time for things that don't seem real? How would you handle a teacher who fell and hit their head but refuses to go get checked out? When do you think it's important to call a parent?

Most of the questions did not have a right or wrong answer but they wanted to see how you think on your feet. Remember most if not all of the people you meet are NOT medical people they are educators-they will look at answers from that standpoint.

Good luck!

BumblebeeinNC, ADN, BSN · Jul 24, 2014

Thank you 100kids!