Schools hire nurses to take temperatures, treat injuries, and dispense prescription medications to students. These nurses must also isolate ill students from their peers and determine whether or not their illness or injury is serious enough to require further examination by a doctor. Several schools are required by law to have nurses as part of their staff
School nurses try to promote good health and safety practices among the students at their school. These practices include the prevention of bullying and helping students cope with mental illnesses such as depression. Developing individual health plans for students with chronic illnesses and mental or physical disabilities is another important aspect of this job
In order to become a qualified registered school nurse in the UK, nurses must undergo extra training to become specialist community public health practitioners.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council regulates the school nursing profession. Persons in such a role generally earn the same salary as other paediatric nurses, ranging from £20,710 for newly qualified nurses up to £39,273 per annum for senior level positions.