What School Nurses Do

Caregiver | Advocate | Educator | Problem-Solver

School nurses play a critical role in supporting the health, wellness, and academic success of students nationwide.

They address critical healthcare needs, ensuring that students can thrive in the classroom and beyond. The challenges students face today—from chronic illnesses to mental health struggles—demand comprehensive, accessible care, which school nurses uniquely provide. With over 25% of students managing chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy, the presence of a school nurse ensures these children can thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

School nurses are responsible for the health of children by, including, but not limited to:

• Assessing the severity of illness or injury in students.
• Distributing medications to student that is provided and approved by their parents and healthcare providers.
• Caring for students with chronic conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy/seizures, asthma, allergies/anaphylaxis, and others.
• Ensuring all students are up to date on their vaccinations/immunizations.
• Directing the provision of health services within the school.
• Screening students for vision, hearing, and other potential health issues.
• Preventing and controlling the spread of communicable diseases.
• Connecting students and their families to relevant health resources.
• Providing mental health support to students in need.
• Collecting health data in schools to provide to local, state, and national officials.
• Promotion of overall school community health through education and wellness initiatives.
  

And of course, providing urgent, episodic care to students including band-aids or ice packs to children with cuts, scrapes, and bruises.

• Health Disparities: In 2023, over 7.8 million children aged 6-18 lived in poverty, while 3.3 million students lacked health insurance, limiting their access to essential healthcare.
• Chronic Conditions: One in four students manages conditions like asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy. Without adequate health support, these conditions can hinder their learning and overall development.
• Mental Health Crisis: 23% of children aged 3–17 are diagnosed with behavioral or mental health conditions. School nurses are often the first to recognize and address these challenges, collaborating with school staff and external providers to support students' emotional well-being.
• Chronic Absenteeism: Health-related factors contribute significantly to absenteeism, affecting academic success and widening the achievement gap, particularly among students of color and those in underserved communities.

School nurses have demonstrated profound benefits for student health and education.

School nurses address these challenges by ensuring students are healthy, safe, and ready to learn. They provide direct care, manage chronic conditions, promote mental health, and coordinate with families and community resources to break down barriers to healthcare access.

Research underscores the tangible benefits of investing in school nursing services:

• Improved Academic Outcomes: Schools with full-time nurses see lower rates of absenteeism, higher graduation rates, and fewer illness-related early dismissals.
• Cost Savings: Every dollar spent on school nurses saves $2.20 in medical costs and lost productivity for parents and teachers. In urban districts, these savings can be as high as $1.67 per dollar spent.
• Time Savings for Educators: School nurses allow teachers and administrators to focus on education, saving up to two hours daily for school staff.
• Essential for Parents: 79% of parents say the presence of a school nurse would influence their decision when choosing a school for their child.

A 2024 NASN poll shows:

• Increased Favorability and Support: A 2024 NASN survey found that 87% of adults view school nurses positively, with favorability rising to 91% after learning about their responsibilities.
• Funding Priorities: 85% of respondents support renewed federal funding, such as the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, to ensure every school has a nurse.
• Access: Significant disparities exist, regionally with rural and low-income communities reporting lower availability of school nurses. Addressing these gaps is crucial to leveling the playing field for all students.

Reference results in this document Vital Role of School Nurses: Public Perception and Policy Support.

Reference additional result details in this article Public Perceptions of School Nurses: Results From a Recent Public Opinion Poll.

Page published February 2025.