Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for School Nurse Roles – 2025

Are you preparing for a school nurse job interview? These questions and answers will help you demonstrate your knowledge, experience, and skills as a healthcare professional with a focus on working in a school setting. From assessing cases of illness and injury to promoting health and preventing disease, these questions cover all essential aspects of the role.

General Questions

• 1. Can you tell us about your background and experience as a school nurse?
  As a school nurse, I have been working in the healthcare field for over 10 years. I have a Bachelor's degree in Nursing and have completed specialized training in pediatric and school nursing. I have also worked in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and schools, allowing me to gain a wide range of experience and skills in caring for children and adolescents.
• 2. What motivated you to pursue a career as a school nurse?
  I have always had a passion for working with children and promoting their well-being. As a nurse, I have seen the impact that early intervention and preventive care can have on a child's overall health and academic success. Working as a school nurse allows me to combine my love for healthcare with my desire to make a positive difference in children's lives.
• 3. How do you stay updated with the latest healthcare practices and regulations?
  I am committed to continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the healthcare field. In addition to attending conferences and workshops, I regularly read medical journals and participate in online forums with other healthcare professionals. I also make sure to attend regular training sessions and stay updated with any changes in school or state healthcare regulations.
• 4. How would you handle a disagreement with a parent or administrator regarding a student's healthcare plan?
  Clear communication and collaboration are key in such situations. I would calmly listen to the concerned party and then explain the reasoning behind the healthcare plan. If needed, I would involve other healthcare professionals and utilize resources to come to a mutually agreed-upon solution for the best interest of the student's health.
• 5. What would you say is your biggest strength as a school nurse?
  My biggest strength as a school nurse is my ability to remain calm and organized in high-pressure situations. Working in a school environment, there are often unexpected emergencies that require quick thinking and action. My years of experience and training have honed my ability to prioritize and make sound decisions under pressure.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. How do you ensure the safety and privacy of student health records?
  As a school nurse, I am responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of student health records. I closely follow HIPAA regulations and the school's policies and procedures for handling and storing health records. I also make sure to only share information on a need-to-know basis and with written consent from the student's parent or legal guardian.
• 7. Share an example of a time when you had to administer medication to a student. How did you ensure proper dosage and timing?
  In my previous school, I had a student with diabetes who required daily insulin injections at lunchtime. I worked closely with the parent and doctor to establish a medication schedule and a written consent form. I also kept a detailed log of the medication administered to ensure proper dosage and timing. If there were any changes in the student's healthcare plan, I would communicate them promptly with the relevant parties.
• 8. How do you handle a student with a serious allergy, such as to peanuts or bee stings?
  Allergies can be life-threatening, so it's crucial for schools to have an emergency action plan in place. As a school nurse, I would ensure that all necessary medication, such as epinephrine, is readily available to be administered in case of an allergic reaction. I would also educate staff and students on how to recognize and respond to an allergic emergency.
• 9. How do you assess and manage students with chronic health conditions, such as asthma?
  For students with chronic health conditions, I work with their parents and doctors to establish a healthcare plan that includes identifying triggers, medications, and emergency responses. I also educate the students on managing their condition and how to recognize symptoms and take necessary precautions. I also conduct regular check-ins and provide support as needed.
• 10. How do you promote health and disease prevention in a school setting?
  As a school nurse, I understand the importance of prevention and education. I work with school staff and students to develop and implement health education programs on topics such as hygiene, nutrition, and mental health. I also collaborate with the school's wellness committee to create a healthy school environment and provide resources and support for students to maintain their physical and mental well-being.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Share an example of a time when you had to handle a difficult parent.
  In my previous school, I had a parent who was very demanding and had high expectations for their child's health care. I made sure to actively listen to their concerns and work with them to come up with a healthcare plan that addressed their child's needs. I also made an effort to communicate regularly with the parent, providing updates and answering any questions or concerns they had, which helped to diffuse any tension.
• 12. Can you tell us about a time when you had to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals?
  In my current school, I work closely with the school's speech therapist for students with speech and language disorders. We regularly collaborate to provide integrated care, and I often refer students to the therapist if I suspect they may have an underlying speech or language concern. This has resulted in improved outcomes for the students and has also strengthened our working relationship and communication.
• 13. How do you handle a situation where a student refuses a medical procedure or medication?
  In such a situation, it's essential to first assess why the student is refusing. If it's due to fear or discomfort, I would provide the student with more information and address their concerns. If the refusal persists, I would involve the student's parent or legal guardian and work together to find a solution. In emergent situations, I would follow the school's emergency action plan to ensure the student's safety.
• 14. Share an example of a time when you had to prioritize multiple student cases at once.
  As a school nurse, I often juggle various cases at once, especially in a busy school with a high number of students. To effectively prioritize, I first triage cases based on the level of urgency and potential severity. I also delegate and involve other staff members when necessary, such as for administering medication, to ensure I can provide prompt and thorough care for all students.
• 15. How do you handle sensitive or challenging information when working with students and their families?
  As a healthcare professional, I understand the ethical responsibility of maintaining confidentiality and respecting privacy. I make sure to have open and honest communication with students and their families, while also following HIPAA regulations and the school's policies. I also seek guidance from my supervisor or school administration if there are any concerns or ethical dilemmas.

Situational Questions

• 16. What would you do if a student suddenly became unresponsive in your office?
  In case of an unresponsive student, I would follow the school's emergency action plan, which includes calling for help, checking for breathing, and administering first aid and CPR if trained. I would also communicate with the student's parents and provide them with updates. After the situation has been resolved, I would review the incident and make any necessary updates to the emergency action plan.
• 17. How would you handle a situation where a student comes to you with signs of a contagious illness, such as a rash or fever?
  As a school nurse, it's important to follow protocol and prevent the spread of illness within the school community. I would first assess the student and provide them with appropriate care, such as administering medication or referring them to a doctor. I would also follow the school's policies for reporting and isolating the student to prevent further spread.
• 18. What would you do if you were faced with a student who is exhibiting signs of abuse or neglect?
  In such a situation, I would follow the school's protocols for reporting and addressing suspected abuse or neglect. This may include notifying the appropriate authorities and providing support and resources for the student and their family. I would also conduct follow-up check-ins to ensure the safety and well-being of the student.
• 19. How would you respond if a student with a history of self-harm comes to you for help?
  Students who engage in self-harm may be struggling with mental health issues, and it's important to handle the situation with sensitivity and care. I would first assess the student and provide necessary medical treatment if needed. I would then communicate with the student's parents and refer them to a mental health professional for ongoing support. I would also follow up with the student and provide resources and support as needed.
• 20. What would you do if a student shared that they were struggling with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression?
  Mental health is a growing concern in schools, and it's important for school nurses to provide support and resources for students. I would first listen to the student's concerns and provide them with information on resources, such as counseling services. I would also work with other staff members to create a supportive and inclusive school environment for students with mental health concerns.