School Nurse: Preparation for Initial Certification
Course Description
This course is designed for a nurse with a BSN who wants to prepare for certification as a school nurse. Topics include the role of the school nurse, schools and society, growth and development, learning strategies, school law, and the legal and professional responsibilities of the ESA-prepared school nurse. This hybrid course incorporates independent study and classroom instruction. Independent study course materials are to be completed and submitted to the faculty prior to the dates of classroom instruction for evaluation.
The WSU College of Nursing is approved as a provider of clock hours by the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Course Dates
The next session for the course will be offered via virtual classroom using Zoom. This option allows for real time, face-to-face education, which is required by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to count clock hours.
The course will include 20 hours of instruction (13 hours of self-study and 7 hours of Zoom).
Dates:
- April 25, 2026, 8:30 – 4:00 p.m., delivered live via Zoom
- August 8, 2026, 4:00 – 7:30 p.m., delivered live via Zoom4
Instructor: Meredith Clarke MSN, RN
Clock hours: 24
Cost: $450
Limited to 25 participants.
Scholarship Available
A $100 scholarship is being offered to participants with financial need. Use coupon code: SNURS24
Scholarship is limited to 25 qualified registrants.
The funding is provided by the Linda Bordwell Educational Fund for School Nursing, regardless of financial need.
(Note: We are unable to process purchase orders at this time.)
Course Objectives
After completing the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the school nurse role in whole-child health and identify student health needs in compliance with Washington State standards.
- Evaluate and implement individualized healthcare and emergency care plans.
- Safely administer medications and delegate tasks according to state nurse practice and delegation laws.
- Apply Washington State school health policies, immunization requirements, and legal guidelines.
- Participate in and contribute meaningfully to health promotion and disease prevention initiatives in schools.
- Collaborate and communicate effectively with educators, families, and community health partners to support student well-being.
- Integrate trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and equitable approaches in school nursing practice.
- Practice ethically and professionally, adhering to the ANA Code of Ethics and professional standards.
- Use data and evaluation methods to guide continuous improvement in school health services.
