Demand for school nurses continues to be buoyant with health service professionals enjoying benefits and advantages, including good pay and flexible work hours.
There is a high demand for nurses across the country, and school nurses are no exception. School nurses play a crucial role in providing treatment to children who are ill, coming down with an infection, or suffering from an injury. They’re the first line of defense if a child gets seriously injured on school grounds, and are responsible for providing first aid in case of emergency.
The role of a school nurse is crucial, and there is currently a shortage of qualified school nurses at all levels, which is a great opportunity for anyone thinking of entering the profession. Here are four reasons why you should consider becoming one.
Stable Hours
One of the biggest benefits of working as a school nurse is the hours. Being able to have steady shifts in nursing is a luxury, especially when you don’t have to work double, and sometimes even triple shifts to cover for lack of staff. You’ll be able to work from 8 to 4 or 9 to 5 most of the time. Not only that, but you’ll enjoy months of vacation with your family during the offseason.
You’ll Have a Wide Variety of Duties
One of the great things about school nursing is how diverse it is. As a school nurse, your role will extend well beyond treating children. In addition, you’ll also get the chance to participate in educational events and teach children about their health.
You’ll also be called to work with administrators and create special programs for children and parents. You’ll have the chance to have a positive impact on the community and help raise children to become more health-conscious adults. If you want to learn how to be a school nurse and what to expect, you can check out this article on school nurse requirements and responsibilities. You’ll get a clear rundown of what it’s like to work as a school nurse, as well as some of the additional perks of becoming one.
Good Pay
While school nurses might not have the same set of expertise or recognition as NICU nurses or other more specialized nurses in the field, they also play a very important role and are paid accordingly. According to recent data from salary.com, the average school nurse earns around $48,000. However, the top 75 percent could stand to earn as much as $72,000 per year. This is pretty impressive considering the amount of time of the job school nurses get to enjoy. You can check out the FNP salary if you decide to move into becoming a general family practitioner, which is an option for school nurses.
Flexibility
Another great benefit of becoming a school nurse is the flexibility it offers. As a school nurse, your skill-set will be in high demand, and you’ll have no problem getting work wherever you go. On the flip side, school nurse jobs are very stable and you won’t be expected to have to relocate or travel for job purposes.
Becoming a school nurse is a great career choice if you’re naturally good with children and want a career that will allow you to fulfill your passion for nursing by taking a larger role. It’s also a great option for any nurse looking for a change of pace and those who want to give back in another way.
