What is a Licensed School Nurse?
The Definition of School Nursing (NASN, 2010): School nursing is a specialized practice of professional nursing that advances the well being, academic success, and life- long achievement of students. To that end, school nurses facilitate positive student responses to normal development; promote health and safety; intervene with actual and potential health problems; provide case management services; and actively collaborate with others to build student and family capacity for adaptation, self-management, self advocacy, and learning.
The following list comes from NASN's brochure titled, "Health and Learning: The Critical Link for Academic Success" and reflects a partial description of the school nurse role:
Ensures compliance with school entry health requirements such as immunizations;
Provides care and case management for children with chronic health problems;
Monitors security and safe administration of medications;
Assures the health and safety of the school students and staff;
Manages disaster preparedness and emergency service plans;
Provides health education and staff wellness programs;
Assures student compliance with state and local regulations related to health and safety; and
Identifies school health needs and advocates for necessary resources.
Requirements for Licensure in Minnesota
To be a licensed school nurse in Minnesota, a nurse must obtain a school nurse license issued by the Minnesota Board of Teaching. The Board of Teaching requires submission of the nurse's public health nurse (PHN) registration from the Minnesota Board of Nursing as part of the application process for a school nurse license.