Why are travel nurses essential for schools?

When people think of travel nurses, they often picture hospitals and emergency rooms. However, many facilities benefit from travel nurses; from nursing homes to correctional facilities. An often-overlooked facility where travel nurses are critical is schools.  

Travel nurses are vital to bridge staffing gaps in schools as more than a third of US schools don’t have a full-time nurse on site; another symptom of the increasing nursing shortage that the US is facing. To put this shortage into perspective, the US Chamber of Commerce has highlighted there will be an estimated 193,100 nurse job role openings per year between 2022-2032, but in the same decade only 177,400 nurses will enter the workforce- not even enough to fill a year of jobs.   

In these chronic staff shortages, travel nurses are essential to ensure facilities can continue to maintain their standards of care- and this includes schools.  

Unlike traditional school nurses who work in a single district, school travel nurses take on short-term contracts across multiple schools, districts, or even states. They provide temporary coverage for schools facing nursing shortages due to staff leave, budget constraints, or increased student health needs. 

Why are school nurses so important?

Schools and their students are navigating significant health challenges, especially increased mental health struggles since the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, ¼ children in the US have significant physical and mental health issues that impact their learning. Having on-site support is critical to support children with additional needs, provide all students with education on their health, and provide professional medical assistance in the event of an emergency.  

School nurses are vital to:  

• Provide good standards of care to students with additional health needs, including administering medication 

• Safely conduct any relevant health screenings and vaccinations 

• Maintain health records compliantly and effectively 

• Deliver fast emergency responses in both accidents and medical emergencies 

• Promote healthy lifestyles and educate students, parents, and teachers on their health 

• Provide day to day medical care and support  

 The benefits of school nursing for travel nurses

Work-life balance 

Nurses get more regular and convenient hours when working in schools, as they will only be required to work when students are in school. 

Competitive pay  

Compared to traditional school nursing, school travel nursing offers higher rates of pay, tax stipends, and (depending on your travel nurse agency) excellent benefits. 

Develop your teaching skills  

Not only are you directly impacting children's health and education, but you are able to educate them on their mental and physical health. As a school nurse, you’ll take a lead role in advocating for students’ health through education- from nutrition to vaccinations. This allows you to develop your teaching and mentorship skills, as well as pass on knowledge that promotes healthy living and longevity.  

Diverse experiences 

Enhance your professional growth by gaining eclectic experience working across several schools and regions, improving your clinical and communication skills.  

 School travel nurse jobs are an exciting and meaningful career path, allowing nurses to make a tangible difference to the lives of students. As schools continue to navigate health challenges, travel nurses play an essential role in bridging staffing gaps, as well as promoting student health and wellbeing. Whether you’re a travel nurse looking for a school nurse assignment, or a school searching for a solution to their lack of school nurses, get in touch with our expert recruitment team.