GARDNER SCHOOL DISTRICT HEALTH SERVICES

School Nurse Qualifications

School nurses are required to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, as well as 2 to 3 years of experience in at least one area of pediatric services.  Each school nurse must then obtain certification in the Department of Education, by passing the Literacy exams required for all teachers.  School nurses must then obtain certification as a school nurse, by application to the National Board of Certification for School Nursing, with documentation of the required experience, testing, and knowledge required to work independently in the out-patient setting provided at each school.  School nurses are required to obtain at least 15 Continuing Education Units per year, which consist of identified courses specific to the field of school nursing, and updated yearly.

            The school nurse must also obtain Personal Development Points each year, in order to maintain current status with the Department of Education.  Every school nurse is encouraged to be an active member of the Massachusetts School Nursing Organization.

            School nurses are constantly informed of new issues and problems that concern our children.  From new models of pediatric care to new problems in community and social realms, the school nurse strives to provide up-to-date interventions and education for students.  The school nurse must also provide interventions in ways that are developmentally appropriate for each student.