Definition of School Nursing

The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) adopted a new definition of school nursing in June 1999:

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.

In New Hampshire, the role of the school nurse has expanded as the needs of students have evolved. School nurses should ensure that the work they undertake mainly focuses on these areas outlined by the NASN to be certain that their time is used effectively.

Registered Nurse (RN) Job Description
  1. Assumes responsibility for appropriate assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, management, and referral activities for students in the school district.

  2. The registered nurse provides for the promotion and maintenance of health as well as the prevention of illness and injuries. This facilitates the removal of health-related barriers to learning and promoting an optimal level of wellness for students and staff.

  3. Responsible for direct and indirect care given to students in compliance with school district policies, professional standards of practice, physician’s orders, and the Individual Health Plan.

  4. Functions in accordance with the New Hampshire Nurse Practice Act, Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses, and the school district’s policies and procedures.

REFERENCE: Registered Nurse (RN) Job Description adapted with permission from the Lebanon School District, 84 Hanover St., Lebanon, NH 03766, (603) 448-1634.