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What Does a School Nurse Do?

Hopefully Helpful School Nurse Tip: The phrase "You don't know what you don't know" and rings entirely true when it comes to the profession of school nursing. There are many misconceptions about school nursing. Read on to learn a few truths about being a school nurse.

According To The National Association of School Nurses

Definition of School Nursing

School nursing, a specialized practice of public health nursing, protects and promotes student health, facilitates normal development, and advances academic success. School nurses, grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice, are the leaders that bridge health care and education, provide care coordination, advocate for quality student-centered care, and collaborate to design systems that allow individuals and communities to develop their full potentials.

Approved by the NASN Board of Directors June 2016

The Truth About School Nursing

School nursing can be surprisingly isolating. Unlike hospital or clinic settings where nurses work side by side with other healthcare professionals, school nurses often function as the only medical provider in a building—or even across an entire district.

That independence can be empowering… but also overwhelming.

From responding to student health emergencies to interpreting education law and advocating for chronic care accommodations, school nurses juggle a lot. And while teachers and administrators are essential partners, they may not fully understand your day-to-day responsibilities—or the weight of your decisions.

Without support, it’s easy to second-guess yourself, burn out, or feel disconnected from your nursing roots.

Why Mentorship Matters

Here’s where mentorship changes everything. Having an experienced school nurse in your corner is one of the most valuable supports you can have. A mentor can:

• Offer reassurance and a second opinion

• Share resources, workflows, and documentation tips

• Help you troubleshoot tricky parent conversations or staffing concerns

• Celebrate your wins (and remind you you’re not alone during the hard days)

Even a quick check-in with someone who “gets it” can give you the confidence and clarity to keep going.

Whether you find a mentor through a local professional network, your state organization, or an online community, it’s worth the effort. School nurses thrive when they’re connected.

Looking for a School Nurse Mentor? Start Here:

1. Ask Locally – Reach out to your district’s lead nurse or health services coordinator. Many are happy to support or connect you with a seasoned colleague.

2. Join Your State Association – Most offer networking, Facebook groups, or even formal mentoring programs.

3. Connect in Facebook Groups – Try Fb groups or your state’s school nurse forum. Introduce yourself and ask for mentor recommendations!

4. Just Ask – If you follow a school nurse you admire, reach out! A quick message can open the door to mentorship.

Building Bridges CE Course

That’s exactly why I created the Building Bridges CE Course- to help school nurses connect, share, and support one another in meaningful ways.

In this self-paced course, you’ll explore:

• The role of mentorship in professional growth

• How to find (or become!) a mentor

• Ways to build a supportive network, even if you’re the only nurse in your district

• The confidence that comes from not having to figure it all out alone

Enrollment is open now! If you're a new (or new-ish) school nurse looking to build lasting connections and boost your confidence, Building Bridges is for you. 

BUILDING BRIDGES:

THE IMPORTANCE OF NETWORKING & MENTORING FOR SCHOOL NURSES. 

ENROLL TODAY!

Want More?

Explore more blog posts about the role of the school nurse, day-to-day tips, and how to build confidence through community—right here on DOASN; click the pics below!

  

Get a 5x7 printable of the above reminder of why you always feel "so busy" HERE.