School Nurse Jobs Available Across the United States
4,163 positions available
Mt. Lebanon School District
Substitute School Support Nurse (PDE Certification NOT Required)
Mt. Lebanon School District
Certified School Nurse - Per-Diem Substitute
Aledo Independent School District
NURSE Substitute 2026-2027 School Year
East Valley School District
Registered Nurse, Continuous Curriculum School
East Valley School District
Registered Nurse, East Valley Middle School
Kaufman Independent School District
School Nurse RN / District Coordinator
The Fort Lee School District
Anticipated Opening: Elementary School Nurse
Cobb County School District
School Nurse RN or LPN (409C or 409D)
Chillicothe City School District
CIS - Nurse Aide - 2026-2027 School Year
Anoka-Hennepin School District
Licensed School Nurse (LSN)
Upper Darby School District
District - Certified School Nurse (August 2026)
Valley View Community Unit School District 365U
Certified School Nurse (Control Code: 20237)
Mt. Lebanon School District
Long Term Substitute School Support Nurse - 2026-2027 School Year
Orland School District 135
Substitute School Nurse/Registered Nurse 2026
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About School Nursing Careers
School nurses play a vital role in student health and academic success. According to the National Association of School Nurses (NASN), school nurses support student learning by addressing health barriers and providing direct healthcare services in educational settings. With a growing focus on student wellness and a nationwide shortage of school nurses, this career path offers excellent opportunities for nursing professionals seeking work life balance.
95,000+
School Nurses in the U.S.
130,000+
Public and Private Schools
750:1
Recommended Student Ratio
High Demand
Job Market Outlook
Types of School Nurse Positions
School nursing encompasses a variety of roles depending on licensure level, experience, and school setting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing roles in educational settings continue to expand as schools recognize the importance of on site healthcare professionals.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Full scope nursing practice including health assessments, medication administration, and care coordination
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Basic nursing care under RN supervision including first aid and medication assistance
School Health Aide
Assist school nurses with basic health tasks and student supervision
District Nurse Supervisor
Oversee nursing staff across multiple schools and develop health policies
Special Education Nurse
Provide specialized care for students with disabilities and complex health needs
School Nurse Practitioner
Advanced practice nursing with diagnostic and prescriptive authority
School Nurse Work Settings
School nurses work in a variety of educational environments, from elementary schools to high schools and beyond. Each setting presents unique challenges and rewards based on the age and needs of the student population.
Public Elementary Schools
Serve students in kindergarten through 5th or 6th grade
Ages 5 to 11
Public Middle Schools
Work with pre teens and early adolescents
Ages 11 to 14
Public High Schools
Provide care for teenagers with diverse health needs
Ages 14 to 18
Private and Charter Schools
Serve students in independent educational settings
Various ages
School District Office
Oversee health services across multiple schools
Administrative
Special Education Programs
Provide specialized nursing for students with disabilities
Various ages
Benefits of Being a School Nurse
School nursing offers unique advantages that attract nurses seeking better work life balance. Unlike hospital nursing, school nurses typically enjoy predictable schedules, holidays off, and summer breaks while still making a meaningful impact on patient care.
School Schedule Hours
Work during school hours with no nights, weekends, or holidays
Summers Off
Enjoy summer breaks and school vacation periods
Retirement Benefits
Access to state pension plans and retirement systems
Health Insurance
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
Job Security
Stable employment with strong demand for school nurses
Rewarding Work
Make a positive impact on children's health and well being
What Do School Nurses Do?
According to the National Association of School Nurses, school nurses perform a wide range of clinical and administrative duties to support student health. A typical day may include the following responsibilities:
School Nurse Requirements
Requirements to become a school nurse vary by state. According to state boards of nursing and departments of education, most positions require nursing licensure plus additional qualifications specific to working in educational settings.
Nursing License
Active RN or LPN license in your state of practice
Education
Associate or Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN preferred for some positions)
CPR Certification
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification
Background Check
Clear criminal background check and fingerprinting
School Nurse Certification
Some states require additional school nurse certification
Pediatric Experience
Experience working with children is preferred but not always required
How to Become a School Nurse
The path to becoming a school nurse involves nursing education, licensure, and often additional certification. According to the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN), specialized certification demonstrates expertise in school health nursing practice.
Complete Nursing Education
Earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Many school districts prefer or require a BSN.
Pass the NCLEX Examination
Successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN) to obtain your nursing license.
Obtain State Nursing License
Apply for licensure through your state board of nursing. Ensure your license is active and in good standing.
Get School Nurse Certification
If required in your state, complete school nurse certification through your state department of education or approved program.
Complete Background Check
All school employees must pass criminal background checks and fingerprinting as required by state law.
School Nurse Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earn competitive salaries with strong job security. School nurse salaries vary by location, experience, education level, and school district. Many school nurses also receive comprehensive benefits packages that add significant value to total compensation.
$50K to $65K
Entry Level School Nurse
$60K to $80K
Experienced School Nurse
$75K to $95K
Lead or Supervisor Nurse
$85K+
District Nurse Director
Note: Salaries vary significantly by geographic location, with urban and high cost of living areas typically offering higher wages. Many school districts also provide additional compensation for advanced degrees or certifications.
School Nurse Work Schedule
One of the most attractive aspects of school nursing is the predictable schedule that aligns with the academic calendar. Unlike hospital nurses who work rotating shifts, school nurses typically enjoy regular daytime hours.
Typical Hours
- Monday through Friday schedule
- 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM (varies by school)
- No nights, weekends, or holidays
Time Off
- Summer break (typically 8 to 10 weeks)
- Winter and spring breaks
- Federal and state holidays
Contract Options
- 10 month academic year contracts
- 12 month year round positions
- Per diem and substitute roles
School Nurse Career Advancement
School nursing offers opportunities for professional growth and leadership. Experienced school nurses can advance into supervisory, administrative, or specialized roles within school districts.
Clinical Advancement
Progress from staff nurse to lead nurse, then to school nurse supervisor overseeing nursing services for multiple schools within a district.
Administrative Path
Move into district health services director roles, managing budgets, policies, and nursing staff across an entire school system.
Specialized Practice
Focus on areas like special education nursing, mental health coordination, or chronic disease management programs.
Education and Training
Transition into nursing education roles, training new school nurses or teaching health curriculum to students.
Frequently Asked Questions About School Nurse Jobs
What qualifications do I need to become a school nurse?
How much do school nurses earn?
Do school nurses work during summer break?
What is the nurse to student ratio in schools?
Is there a shortage of school nurses?
Can LPNs work as school nurses?
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. School nurse requirements, salaries, and job duties vary by state and school district. Always verify specific requirements with your state board of nursing, state department of education, and prospective employers. Salary data is based on national averages and may not reflect compensation in all areas.