15 School Nurse Interview Questions and Answers

School nurses play a critical role in ensuring the health and well-being of students. They provide care for students who are ill or injured, administer medication, and educate students and their families about health and wellness. To become a school nurse, you need to have a registered nurse (RN) license and be certified in school nursing.

If you’re looking for a job as a school nurse, you may be asked to participate in a job interview. During the interview, you will likely be asked questions about your experience as a nurse and your knowledge of school health. You may also be asked questions about your ability to work with students and their families.

To help you prepare for your interview, we have gathered some of the most common questions that school nurses are asked and provided sample responses.

How did you hear about the school nurse position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your background and how you found out about the job opening. They want to know if you applied for the position on your own or if someone referred you. When answering, be honest about how you learned about the role and who may have told you about it. If a friend or family member recommended you, make sure to thank them in your answer.

Example: “I heard about this school nurse position from my cousin, who is also a school nurse. She said she was looking for another nurse to join her team and thought I would be a good fit. After talking with her, I decided to apply for the position.”

What qualifies you to fill this role?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications for the role. They want to know what experience you have working as a school nurse and how it relates to the job description. Before your interview, read through the job listing carefully. Make note of any requirements or preferred skills that you possess. Use these details to explain why you are qualified for the position.

Example: “I am passionate about helping children stay healthy. I worked as a pediatric nurse for five years before moving to my current role. During that time, I gained valuable experience in treating common illnesses and injuries. I also learned how to communicate with parents effectively when their child is sick. These experiences make me well-suited for this role.”

What do you hope to accomplish in this position?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what your goals are for this position. It’s important to show that you’re motivated by helping students succeed in school, and it can also be helpful to mention specific goals related to improving health outcomes or lowering costs.

Example: “I hope to make a positive impact on the lives of students by providing them with compassionate care when they need it most. I’m passionate about making sure all students have access to healthcare services, so I would like to work toward ensuring every student has an opportunity to see a school nurse at least once per year. I’d also like to reduce the number of emergency room visits due to illness among students.”

What do you know about our school/district?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how much you know about their school district and the specific school where you’re interviewing. Before your interview, research the school or district’s website to learn more about its mission statement, goals and recent news. You can also read through the job description to familiarize yourself with the responsibilities of the role. When answering this question, try to relate what you’ve learned about the school or district to your own experiences or skills.

Example: “I did some research on your school district before my interview, and I was impressed by the high test scores in your schools. In my last position as a school nurse at a different district, we implemented similar strategies to improve student performance. One of the things I’m most passionate about is helping students achieve their full potential, so I think I would be a great fit for this role.”

What was the most challenging situation you’ve encountered?

School nurses often work with students who are experiencing challenging situations. Employers ask this question to learn more about how you handle difficult circumstances and what strategies you use to help others through them. In your answer, try to describe a situation that was challenging but also one in which you were able to overcome the challenge or find a solution.

Example: “The most challenging situation I’ve encountered as a school nurse was when a student came into my office after being bullied at recess. The student was crying and upset, and they told me that another child had been calling them names and making fun of their lunch. I asked the student if there was anything else they needed, such as a snack or bathroom break, before we talked about the bullying incident. Then, I listened carefully to their story and assured them that I would do everything I could to make sure it didn’t happen again.”

What are your core values as a school nurse?

Interviewers ask this question to learn more about your personality and values. They want to know if you align with their school’s culture, so they may also ask what the school’s core values are. When answering this question, try to relate a specific example of how one of your core values helped you in your role as a school nurse.

Example: “My number-one value is honesty. I believe that it’s important for me to be honest with students, parents and my colleagues at all times. In my last position, I had a student who was struggling in math. His parents were concerned because he wasn’t improving despite extra help from his teacher. I explained to them that sometimes kids just need more time to master concepts. After talking with them, we decided to extend his learning plan by another month. He ended up passing the class.”

What methods do you use to identify potential health concerns?

School nurses need to be able to identify potential health concerns in students. This question helps the interviewer determine how you use your skills and knowledge to assess a student’s overall health. Use examples from your experience that show how you can quickly recognize when a student needs medical attention.

Example: “I always start by asking the student about their current symptoms, but I also look for other signs of illness or injury. For example, if a student has a fever, I check their temperature with a digital thermometer. If they have any bruising or swelling, I ask them what happened so I can rule out an injury. I also make sure to monitor students who are recovering from an illness or injury.”

Where do you see the medical field heading in the next ten years?

This question can help an interviewer get a sense of your career goals and how you plan to achieve them. It also helps them understand if you’re likely to stay with their school district for the long term. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention any specific skills or certifications you hope to have by that time.

Example: “I think we’ll see more schools hiring nurses who are trained in multiple areas. I’m hoping to become certified as a pediatric nurse practitioner within the next five years, which would allow me to provide more comprehensive care to students. I’d also like to continue my education in mental health care, as I feel there’s still so much room for improvement in that area.”

If a student came in saying they couldn’t breathe, how would you handle the situation?

School nurses often work with students who have asthma or other respiratory conditions. The interviewer wants to make sure you know how to handle these situations and that you’re familiar with the proper procedures for administering medication, monitoring vital signs and contacting parents when necessary.

Example: “I would first ask them if they had their inhaler on hand. If not, I would call a parent to bring it in. Then, I would administer the medicine as needed and monitor their vitals until they stabilized. Once they were stable, I would contact the student’s parents to let them know what happened and that we took care of the situation.”

What steps would you take to respond to an outbreak?

School nurses are responsible for managing the health of students and staff, including responding to outbreaks. Interviewers may ask this question to assess your experience with handling these situations and how you would handle them in their school. In your answer, describe a specific situation where you responded to an outbreak and what steps you took to manage it.

Example: “In my previous role as a school nurse, I once had to respond to an outbreak of strep throat among several students. After assessing the situation, I notified parents of all students who were sick so they could take them to see a doctor if needed. Then, I worked with other members of the medical team to ensure that we isolated any infected students from others until we knew whether or not they had strep throat. We also administered antibiotics to those who tested positive.”

Describe how you would manage a delicate situation with a parent.

School nurses often work with parents to address their concerns. This question helps employers understand how you would handle a challenging situation and communicate effectively with parents. In your answer, try to highlight your communication skills and empathy for the parent’s perspective.

Example: “I once had a parent call me in a panic because they couldn’t get into contact with their child after school. I calmly explained that we have a policy of not giving out any information about students unless it is an emergency or the parent has signed a release form. The student was fine, but the parent was still worried. I offered to give them my cell phone number so they could text me if they needed anything else. They were grateful for this compromise.”

How would you handle a situation where you knew the child was not properly cared for by their parents?

School nurses often have to deal with situations where they know a child is not receiving proper care at home. This question allows you to show your ability to handle sensitive information and make decisions that are in the best interest of the student’s health.

Example: “If I knew a child was being neglected, I would first speak with their parents about my concerns. If there were no changes after our discussion, I would report it to the school principal or other appropriate authority. In some cases, I may even call social services myself if I feel like the situation is urgent enough.”

What is the most useful piece of equipment in your medical arsenal?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with medical equipment and how you use it. This is an opportunity for you to share a specific piece of equipment that has helped you in the past, such as a splint or bandage.

Example: “I find that my stethoscope is one of the most useful pieces of equipment I have when working as a school nurse. It allows me to listen to students’ heart rates and breathing patterns without having to physically touch them, which can be especially helpful if they’re experiencing anxiety or are sensitive to physical contact. In the past, I’ve used my stethoscope to help diagnose colds, fevers and other illnesses.”

How would you manage a situation where a staff member is showing signs of fatigue?

School nurses often work long hours, and employers want to make sure you can handle the demands of the job. In your answer, explain how you would ensure that staff members are well-rested and able to perform their duties safely.

Example: “I have worked with many school nurses who were responsible for providing care during evenings and weekends. I know this can be challenging, so I always encourage my colleagues to take breaks when they need them. If a colleague is showing signs of fatigue, I will ask them if they need a break or if they would like me to cover for them. I also try to schedule appointments at times where there are multiple nurses on duty.”

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest research, treatments and drugs?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you are committed to your career and how much effort you put into staying up-to-date with the latest research, treatments and drugs. Your answer should show that you have a passion for your work and want to learn more about it.

Example: “I am passionate about my field of study, so I make sure to read journals and attend conferences where experts present their findings. I also subscribe to newsletters from different organizations in my field. This helps me stay informed on new developments and gives me access to discounts on products and services.”