4 real-life school nurse interview questions
A School Nurse plays a critical role in maintaining the health and safety of students within a school environment. They are responsible for administering first aid, managing chronic illnesses, conducting health screenings, and providing health education.
These retail school nurse interview questions are directly sourced from real hiring managers and they are ready to use.
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4 good school nurse interview questions
- Do you have experience in seizure protocol? What would be your first step if you were called and a student was having a seizure?
- What are hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia? What are the treatments for each?
- How would you assess a student that fell and hit their head? How do you assess for a concussion?
- If a student is having anaphylaxis, what medication would you provide?
Here are 4 interview questions with sample answers, based on real hiring managers, to help you identify the best candidates for this role.
1. Do you have experience in seizure protocol?
Assesses familiarity and experience with seizure management.
Sample answer:
“Yes, I have managed several seizures in a school setting. My first step is to ensure the student’s safety by moving any nearby objects that could cause injury. I then gently guide the student to the ground, placing something soft under their head and turning them on their side to keep the airway clear.
“Timing the seizure is crucial for medical documentation. I avoid restraining them but stay close to monitor their condition. Once the seizure ends, I check for injuries, comfort the student, and call for medical assistance if the seizure lasts more than five minutes or if the student has difficulty recovering.”
2. What are hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia? What are the treatments for each?
Evaluates understanding of managing diabetes-related emergencies.
Sample answer:
“Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, can occur in diabetic students, often due to missed medication, overeating, or illness. The treatment involves administering insulin as prescribed and encouraging the student to drink water to help lower blood sugar levels.
“Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can be more immediately dangerous. Symptoms include dizziness, sweating, and confusion. I would treat it by providing a quick source of sugar, like juice or glucose tablets, and continue monitoring the student. If there’s no improvement, I would seek further medical attention.”
3. How would you assess a student that fell and hit their head?
Probes into concussion assessment skills.
Sample answer:
“For a student who has fallen and hit their head, I would first ensure there’s no immediate danger, like unresponsiveness or severe bleeding. I would then conduct a thorough assessment, asking about their symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, or dizziness, and observe for signs of confusion, balance issues, or memory loss. If a concussion is suspected,
“I would immediately inform the parents and recommend a medical evaluation. In the meantime, I would advise the student to rest and avoid activities that could worsen their condition.”
4. If a student is having anaphylaxis, what medication would you provide?
Checks knowledge of emergency allergy response.
Sample answer:
“In the case of anaphylaxis, the most immediate and effective treatment is the administration of epinephrine, typically through an auto-injector like an EpiPen, which I would administer as soon as possible. After administering epinephrine, I would call emergency services and monitor the student’s breathing and pulse.
“Keeping the student calm and laying them flat with their legs elevated can help manage shock. I would also check for a medical ID and inform emergency responders of any known allergies the student has.”
What does a good school nurse candidate look like?
An ideal School Nurse candidate should be experienced in pediatric nursing and possess comprehensive knowledge of first aid, emergency care, and chronic illness management. They should demonstrate empathy, patience, and effective communication skills to interact with children and adolescents.
The ability to collaborate with school staff and parents, and to educate students on health-related topics is also crucial. Staying calm under pressure and being organized are key attributes, as school nurses often handle multiple health issues simultaneously.
Red flags
Red flags for a School Nurse candidate include a lack of specific pediatric or school-based experience, poor communication skills, and an inability to articulate clear responses to emergency scenarios. Hesitation or discomfort in handling common school health issues like allergies, diabetes, or head injuries is concerning.
A candidate who lacks empathy or seems overwhelmed by the multifaceted nature of the role may struggle in a school environment.