Preparing for an interview as a school nurse is crucial because it increases your likelihood of securing a position. Effective and thorough preparation will help a nurse present themselves with confidence, clearly articulate their skills and experiences, and respond effectively to the questions. By practicing potential interview questions, you can refine your answers, reduce your anxiety, and demonstrate that you are the best candidate for the job.

Preparation reflects positivity on a candidate’s enthusiasm and performance, and it will leave a good impression on the potential employer. In a competitive job market, being prepared can elevate you above a fellow candidate. Preparing for your interview for a school nurse position involves anticipating questions about both your medical, technical knowledge and nursing skill set. Here are 20 potential interview questions and answers:

1. Why do you want to work as a school nurse?

Answer: “I like working with children and making a difference in their lives. I discuss with students the importance of health and safety, manage their chronic conditions, and be a resource for students and staff.

2. What do you consider your greatest strength as a school nurse?

Answer: “I have excellent communication skills and can effectively talk with students, parents, and staff.

3. What is your experience with pediatrics?

Answer: Cite your experience. For example, “I worked in a pediatric clinic at the hospital and at an urgent care which gave me direct experience with common childhood illnesses, injuries, and a child’s emotional needs.

4. How do you handle stressful situations?

Answer: “I remain calm, assess the situation, and follow protocols”

5. What steps would you take if a student shows signs of a contagious illness?

Answer: “Isolate the student, notify their parents, follow district guidelines, document symptoms, and coordinate with public health authorities if necessary.”

6. How do you manage students with a chronic disease like diabetes or asthma?

Answer: “I would create an individual student’s health plan, monitor their condition, administer their medication, and communication with their parents and teachers.”

7. How do you keep track of student medications?

Answer: “I maintain detailed records, follow administration procedures, and log each dose.”

8. Are you experienced in emergency care?

Answer: “I’m trained in CPR and first aid and have handled real-life emergencies including allergic reactions and seizures. It is important to stay calm and follow emergency protocols.

9. How do you handle patient confidentiality and HIPAA regulations?

Answer: “I secure student health information and only share with those authorized. I follow both HIPAA and FERPA guidelines.”

10. How do you educate the staff about student health concerns?

Answer: “I can provide training sessions, written care plans, and one-on-one meetings as needed to ensure teachers and staff are prepared to support a student’s health needs.”

11. How do you handle a situation where a parent disagrees with your assessment?

Answer: “I would listen to their concerns, explain my findings, the clinical standards behind my recommendations, and work with the parents to reach the best outcomes for the child.”

12. How do you support your students’ mental health?

Answer: “I look for signs of distress, provide a safe space for them to talk, and refer to counselors or outside professionals if needed.”

13. How would you support a student with anxiety?

Answer: “I offer emotional support, breathing or calming techniques, a quiet space, and communicate with parents and counselors for long-term help.”

14. What would you do if a student is injured during recess?

Answer: “I assess the injury, administer first aid, document the incident, and contact parents. If necessary, I would call EMS or refer for further evaluation.”

15. How would you handle a lice outbreak?

Answer: “I would check the affected students, notify their parents, provide education on treatment, and confidentially follow district policies on re-admittance.”

16. What’s your approach to health education in schools?

Answer: “I promote healthy habits by educating students on hygiene, nutrition, and safety in collaboration with teachers.”

17. How do you manage a high volume of visits during flu season?

Answer: “I triage, prioritize emergencies, document, and encourage prevention through handwashing and flu shot reminders.”

18. How do you ensure compliance with immunization requirements?

Answer: “I track student immunization records, send reminders to parents, update documentation, and work with the local health department.”

19. What qualities make a great school nurse?

Answer: “A school nurse should be compassionate, have strong clinical skills and good judgment, build trust, and be able to effectively communicate with both children and adults.”

20. How do you stay current with nursing practices and school health policies?

Answer: “I regularly attend education courses, review guidelines from the CDC and local health authorities and stay active in nursing associations.”

Preparing for your interview is key to a strong, first impression. By practicing possible interview questions, a nurse can improve their communication skills, reduce their anxiety, and convey their qualifications for a school nurse position. Preparation will help boost your confidence and demonstrates your commitment and professionalism. Being prepared for the interview is key toward career success as a school RN.

Want to know what you could earn as a School Nurse? Check out our comprehensive School Nurse salary guide to see how experience, location, and specialty affect your pay.