Where Nursing Meets Teaching and Heart
Nicole “Nikki” Bettis once worked as a labor and delivery nurse—but her heart was always with children. When her own family needed a better schedule, she pivoted to school nursing and discovered a perfect fit. “It’s the best of both worlds,” she says. “I get to combine nursing and teaching.”
Overseeing four schools, Bettis manages care plans for students with diabetes, severe allergies, mobility challenges, and medically fragile conditions. She also trains staff to handle emergencies and health needs confidently.
“I love getting to know the students over the years. It’s so different from hospital care. You form a connection that’s incredibly rewarding.”
Nikki Bettis
With support from the Linda Bordwell Educational Fund for School Nursing, Bettis completed WSU’s certification course and felt much more prepared. “You kind of get thrown into school nursing, but this course helped break things down—laws, best practices, what other districts are doing. It was amazing, and I’d recommend it to anyone.”
“You form a connection that’s incredibly rewarding. I love watching my students grow and being part of their journey.”
Thinking about becoming a school nurse?
The School Nursing: Preparation for Initial Certification course at the WSU College of Nursing is designed for BSN-prepared nurses seeking to take the next step in their career. This hybrid course includes online study and live instruction and is approved by the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Learn more about the School Nursing: Preparation for Initial Certification course
You can also support future school nurses by donating to the Linda Bordwell Educational Fund for School Nursing.
