School Nursing

School nursing, a specialized practice of nursing, protects and promotes student health, facilitates optimal development, and advances academic success. School nurses, grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice, are the leaders who bridge health care and education, provide care coordination, advocate for quality student-centered care, and collaborate to design systems that allow individuals and communities to develop their full potential. Adopted by the NASN Board of Directors February 2017.

School Nursing

This information is provided for those who are interested in employment as a school nurse. Vacant nursing positions in the school health program are handled at the local level through the county health department or school district. The designated school health program coordinators in each organization can provide you with information about local vacancies, hiring requirements, and school system information. The following links may provide helpful information to locate available hiring opportunities.

Locate a county health department or school district:

• County Health Departments
• To see if any job opportunities are available at the local county health department, visit People First
• Local School Districts

General Information and Laws

Requirements for the School Health Program may be found on the Department of Health webpages at the following links:

• School Health Services
• Statutes and Rules

Nursing Requirements

Florida's Nurse Practice Act outlines state nursing requirements. 

School Nurse Certification

Florida does not offer a state certification for school nurses. However, the School Health Services Program Office recommends and encourages school nurses to obtain National School Nurse Certification.

Information can be found on the National Board for Certification of School Nurses website.

Licensure

Information regarding nursing licensure and related issues can be found on the Board of Nursing website.

Out of State Nurses

• Exceptions for out of state nurses