Description of Practice
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) in the school setting shall follow the same description of practice as a School Nurse (click here for description). An NP is a Registered Nurse (RN) prepared in formal education programs at the MSN level and nationally certified. An NP may be certified in a variety of practice areas including School Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. School Nurse Practitioners are particularly well prepared in managing health problems affecting students in the educational setting. The School Nurse Practitioner is competent in all areas of general school nursing and may assume a leadership role in:
- Physical examination
- Developmental assessment
- Anticipatory guidance
- Acute care diagnosis and treatment
- Health promotion and disease prevention activities in the school, family, and community
- Care coordination for children with complex chronic conditions
The NP practices collaboratively with other health professionals and school personnel and provides leadership as an integral member of the interdisciplinary team, especially when the primary services needed by the student are health related.
Qualifications
- Active Tennessee RN license in good standing;
- MSN from an accredited nursing program; and
- Current national certification as a School Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
Employment Requirements
- Maintain continued competence; and
- Maintain national certification in advanced practice during employment.
When reading the School Health-related job descriptions, please be aware that the position descriptions are TNA recommendations based on national standards.