Why this matters:
Outbreaks of lice and chickenpox are common problems school nurses encounter. A strong candidate will be able to recognize the warning signs of an outbreak and take decisive action. The candidate should be able to define clear tactics and communication methods they use to address potential outbreaks before they escalate into larger issues.
What to listen for:
- Ability to identify conditions that could lead to outbreaks
- Recommendation of measures to ensure hygiene and reduce spread
- Capacity to effectively communicate safety measures to children or teens
Why this matters:
Most, if not all, school districts have awakened to the unique challenges students with allergies face. Assisting these students is a core responsibility for staff, especially school nurses. Understanding best practices for administering care to a student undergoing anaphylaxis is absolutely essential. A school nurse must be prepared to act immediately when they see the signs.
What to listen for:
- Familiarity with common allergies and risk factors
- Ability to recognize anaphylaxis
- Knowledge of how to administer epinephrine
Why this matters:
Part and parcel of preventing outbreaks is maintaining a safe and hygienic environment in which students can rest and recuperate. A strong candidate understands why regular cleaning and sterilization is important, and continually ensures that their office remains sanitary and safe for students by properly disposing of materials and sterilizing equipment.
What to listen for:
- Frequent cleaning and use of sterilizing materials
- Regularly washing beds
- Mandated handwashing and mask-wearing
Why this matters:
At times, school nurses have to shoulder great responsibility. School nurses are often called upon to provide immediate care when students are in medical crisis. The best candidates feel prepared to do this, when necessary and know how to perform emergency procedures like CPR in high-stress situations. A strong candidate will also know when to escalate a situation to other medical professionals.
What to listen for:
- Knowledge of common emergency procedures
- Ability to recognize when lifesaving procedures are necessary
- Concern to avoid unnecessary injury during administration of care
Why this matters:
Mental health is an increasingly important concern in many school districts. As students of all ages feel stressed and overwhelmed, school nurses may have to exercise skills beyond simple medical care in order to provide holistic care. Strong candidates realize that mental health can be just as important as physical health, and feel confident assisting with both.
What to listen for:
- Ability to recognize signs of mental health concerns
- Discretion and delicacy when approaching mental health care
- Knowledge of procedures to use when dealing with a mental health-related medical event, such as a panic attack
Why this matters:
As is the case in most workplaces, schools present new challenges every day. School nurses may have to diagnose or treat symptoms that they’ve never encountered before. An ideal candidate will be able to approach these situations calmly, and draw upon their training in order to ensure that the student can walk out of their office feeling better.
What to listen for:
- Wide-ranging knowledge of less common conditions
- Ability to apply skills in unfamiliar situations
- Willingness to ask for help from other staff
Why this matters:
Schools are busy places, and that includes school nurses’ offices. Whatever brings a student in — be it a bloody nose or a busted lip — strong candidates will be able to assess the seriousness of their condition and prioritize care accordingly. It may require quick thinking and organization, but is a necessary part of the job.
What to listen for:
- Prioritization based on severity of conditions
- Capacity to offer necessary care to all students
- Quick thinking and organization
Why this matters:
Treating a malady often goes hand in hand with comforting a distressed student. Sometimes, particularly with younger students, providing medical care can only come after addressing emotional needs. A strong candidate will work to ensure that every student leaves their office feeling better — physically and emotionally — than they did when they came in.
What to listen for:
- Empathetic approach to emotional distress
- Ability to connect with students
- Willingness to reach out to staff and parents
Why this matters:
School nurses should form trusting relationships with the students they treat. For students with ongoing conditions, or urgent issues, the nurse should keep an open line of communication with parents. However, a nurse should also know when to exercise their discretion while still staying within the bounds of the school’s policies. When nurses do need to speak to parents, they should offer thorough explanations with assurances.
What to listen for:
- Respect for student privacy
- Understanding of what situations require parental involvement
- Strong communication skills when discussing student conditions
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