Lack of School Nurses: A Troubling Issue for One-Third of Schools.
More than a third of schools in the United States do not have a full-time nurse on-site, leaving teachers and administrators to handle student health issues. The lack of school nurses is a result of the nation's overall nursing shortage, with schools struggling to attract and retain employees due to lower salaries and benefits compared to hospitals. School nurses play a critical role in keeping students healthy and ready to learn, administering medications, conducting health screenings, and serving as a public health point person. The absence of school nurses can lead to increased absences and hinder students' access to immediate healthcare.