Many in a school community get glimpses of what a school nurse does. 

• Parents see the nurse as someone who calls them with an injury\illness report or immunization referral. 
• Students may see the nurse as someone who takes care of them when they are sick and hurt and who always has time to listen. 
• Teachers and staff see the nurse as someone they can confide in with personal health problems, takes their blood pressure, suggests a medical care provider, and checks out those students who have a uniqueness that just might be medical.

Administrators see the nurse not only as a blood pressure taker, but also as a staff member that can contribute to the health program by providing resources for a health fair, conducting health education classes in those difficult to talk about topics, and helping solve safety and crisis situations.

The many duties of a school nurse are a lot like heat in your classrooms during winter, noticed when not available!

• Maintains a system for providing first aid and emergency care. 
• Provides medically prescribed interventions, to include medication administration (based on regulations). 
• Supervises/conducts school health screenings: vision, hearing, scoliosis and other health screenings that may be necessary. 
• Notifies parent/guardian when further medical evaluation is indicated. 
• Obtains, maintains, and updates confidential student health and immunization records. 
• Supervises and manages clinic assistants and/or volunteers. 
• Participates in identifying and reporting environmental health and safety hazards for students and staff. 
• Participates as a CSC member; provides nursing health assessment and obtains social-family-medical history; participates in eligibility and IEP conferences as appropriate. 
• Maintains equipment and supplies in the health office. 
• Orders supplies and equipment necessary for school health office and program needs. 
• Conducts health education activities for students, staff and parents. 
• Facilitates health education by acting as a resource for school staff, students, and families. 
• Provides for continuing professional nurse development. 
• Participates in professional growth experiences. 
• Consults with community health agencies and resources to promote the health of students and staff.

In addition, many school nurses participate in the school community as SAC Members, sponsor extracurricular activities and are active members of other school committees and teams.