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Nurses who wish to work in a non-medical facility may enjoy school nursing. This advanced practice of nursing involves the medical treatment of students, faculty and staff with the intent to foster a healthy learning environment. A certification in school nursing must be obtained by a registered nurse (RN) in order to enter this specialized field.
The duties of a school nurse include the examination and diagnosis of ill or injured students, faculty and staff. Also, a nurse must administer first aid treatment where applicable. School nurses will act as an instructor of sorts, sharing information on healthy living with the students. Nurses who work in a grade school will be limited in how he/she can administer nursing to the students. This is standard practice, particularly at public schools, as the district must protect itself from potential lawsuits.
The field of school nursing can be very rewarding, as nurses will be instrumental in facilitating a healthy and safe environment for students. Also, there is currently a shortage of certified school nurses, which means there are many open positions available. This shortage also influences a school nurse's salary, which is expected to rise in the projected future.