What does a school nurse do in high schools?

I'm considering going into healthcare and I'm curious about working as a nurse in a school setting. What are the typical responsibilities of a school nurse at a high school? Is it just handling health emergencies or are there other duties?

A school nurse in a high school carries out a variety of duties, ranging from immediate care to long-term health development for the students. Beyond handling health emergencies or administering first aid to students who may have gotten injured during physical activities, they also ensure student health in other ways.

One primary responsibility is health screening, where they may perform regular checks for issues like vision or hearing problems, or other health conditions that could impact a student's learning experience. They also manage chronic conditions among students, such as asthma or diabetes, and ensure that these students' day-to-day needs are met.

In addition, they often have an advisory role, educating students on subjects such as nutrition, physical health, and mental well-being. This can involve one-on-one consultations or delivering more general health education programs to larger groups.

Another significant part of their role is administration. They maintain students' health records, ensure immunization compliance, and manage medication administration for any students who require it during school hours.

Finally, a school nurse often acts as a bridge between the school, home, and external healthcare providers, ensuring continuous and efficient care for students. This includes making referrals to other healthcare providers when necessary. Overall, their role is very multifaceted, aimed at fostering a healthy and safe learning environment.