When to apply?

I think if there is a posting for a school nurse job, the job is likely vacant now and that you would be applying for an ASAP start date. Any job postings where they are expecting to hire for the next school year will likely state that in the job listing and say something like "expected start date August 2022" or something like that...

A strong affinity for children/adolescents, prior experience working in a school or with children are almost always preferred. Peds-specific nursing experience is strongly preferred in my experience, but not required (we just hired an excellent nurse with no prior peds experience, but she's just great with kids). A demonstration that you are confident in your assessment skills and that you work well independently are also huge pluses. A thorough knowledge of your state's school health standards as well as at least a basic understanding of IEPs & 504s would also give you a leg up. 

On top of that, a lot of schools like to hire from within if they can. If there is a district that is of particular interest to you, see if you can sub as a nurse in that district. Or really, sub as a nurse in any district and make sure it's on your CV. For a lot of admin, subbing is just as good as being an actual FT school nurse since you'll have had experience with the meat and potatoes of school nursing. This would also give you the chance to dip your toes in to see if you'll really enjoy it. If you end up in an interview scenario, you can always ask if shadowing a nurse in the district is a possibility as well. That would definitely show that you're interested as well. 

I second all of the above. I will also mention that here in MA, there are SO MANY VACANCIES for school nurses and basically all school staff. I think schools are hemorrhaging staff right now because it is exhausting and feels like the extra load that Covid has put on staff in schools will never end.  If you definitely are not ready to start now, wait until Spring to apply for next year.  Good luck!

Thanks everyone!! If anyone has an "in" in the Central Cali area please let me know ?

On 10/19/2021 at 8:32 AM, MHDNURSE said:

I second all of the above. I will also mention that here in MA, there are SO MANY VACANCIES for school nurses and basically all school staff. I think schools are hemorrhaging staff right now because it is exhausting and feels like the extra load that Covid has put on staff in schools will never end.  If you definitely are not ready to start now, wait until Spring to apply for next year.  Good luck!

This. I actually have a school nurse position opening up at my school. If only you were in MA :).