School nursing – a fresh look Learning more about this unique career may surprise you. School nursing has changed a lot - and it’s still changing. June 2013

School nursing – a fresh look Answer six simple questions to find out if school nursing is for you: Want your work to make a real difference to children, young people and their families? Do you have an interest in public health/health and wellbeing? Like to be able to follow your interests? Enjoy learning new skills and getting new qualifications? Prepared to lead? Want a career where you can make every contact count? If you answered ‘yes’ to any, then it’s time to find out more.

Make a real difference As a school nurse, you have a huge impact on children and young people in so many ways. It’s about giving the best possible public health advice and making every contact count. You may: deliver health promotion and supporting healthy lifestyles provide health and sex education carry out developmental screening support children and young people’s emotional health and wellbeing administer immunisation programmes offer specialist advice on conditions such as asthma or diabetes offer additional support to ‘looked after children’ such as those in foster homes. You’ll make a real difference to the lives of young people and their families.

Myth busting ‘A school nurse just does immunisations…’ FALSE. School nurses offer much more than immunisations and first aid. They are public health leaders with a specialist post graduate qualification (Masters’ degree) in public health. They are skilled, knowledgeable and work independently as part of a team of healthcare professionals. School nurses are critical to improving the lives of children and young people across the country.

Myth busting ‘School nursing is not very technical: it’s not for people who want to - or could - do a degree.’ FALSE. To become a registered nurse you need to take a degree, which is usually a three year course if undertaken full time. You will then need to take a post-graduate qualification to practise as a school nurse which is likely to be a Master’s degree in public health They are also leaders in new and innovative approaches, such as using social media to deliver advice and support.

Myth busting ‘School nurses work awkward shift patterns, with long and hard hours.’ FALSE. Like any profession, school nursing can be challenging and demanding at times, but also very satisfying. Full-time nurses in the NHS work a standard 37.5 hour week. You are unlikely to work shifts. However, the job is not term time only, it is all year round. Children and young people need advice and support in the school holidays as well!

Myth busting ‘The wages are not very good, at least not for the kind of work school nurses do.’ FALSE. Newly qualified nurses usually start on over £21,000 a year with the opportunity to earn more with overtime and other additional payments, which compares very well with other public sector jobs. After qualifying as a school nurse, your salary will automatically rise to at least £26,000. The highest paid NHS nurses can earn over £95,000.

Myth busting ‘School nursing only suits a certain type of person.’ FALSE. School nursing attracts – and needs – men and women with diverse backgrounds, skills and qualities. Many of the skills needed for school nursing, such as communication and leadership are highly transferable and desirable in other professions.

Follow your interests A school nursing career supports you to develop your interests and, if you want, to specialise in something you’re passionate about. You may discover you enjoy working with children and young people suffering from acute mental health conditions. There are also specialist roles that focus on particular areas, such as safeguarding children or specific conditions such as asthma, diabetes or epilepsy.

Benefits of working for the NHS A registered nurse would start on over £21,000 per year. The highest paid nursing positions, such as a director of nursing, can earn over £95,000 per year. A standard working week is 37.5 hours. Depending on the role, these hours can often be worked in a variety of ways. Extensive training and development opportunities. Childcare and maternity/paternity leave. Pension provision. You will also find jobs outside of the NHS, especially in independent and special schools.

What qualifications do I need? To work as a nurse in the NHS, you must hold a degree in nursing (a 'pre-registration' programme), which allows you to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Typical diploma entry requirements are 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C or above, including English and a science subject. Typical degree entry requirements are 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) as above, plus at least 2 A-levels (or equivalent). You should contact individual universities to check their entry requirements before applying. After graduating as a nurse, you can apply for a qualification in public health nursing. It is advised to get some experience first.

What skills do I need? There are some skills that all school nurses need. People focused: A skilled school nurse can help anyone, whatever their situation, feel at ease. Communication: You’ll need to listen carefully and be able to answer questions, discuss options and give advice on healthier living. Problem solver: School nurses have to gather lots of information, put it together and make sense of it. Confidence: School nurses need talk to lots of people with confidence e.g. healthcare professionals and teachers. Enthusiasm: school nurses must enjoy their job and want to make a real difference to children and young people.

Work experience Gain a real insight into a career in school nursing. Get some confidence and experience of caring for people. Show potential employers your commitment to your future career. Work experience can be a short or long-term placement, full or part time, or on a structured or informal basis. Contact the HR department of your local NHS trust to find out what opportunities are available.

Is school nursing for me? The best way to find out is by learning more. A good starting point is You can… read more about the role find out more about what the opportunities are really like through ‘real life stories’ watch our video where school nurses share their experiences.