How To Become A School Nurse In Illinois

What Are The Roles And Duties Of A School Nurse

• Provide physical and mental health care to students
• Treat illnesses such as fevers, colds, stomach aches, and other ailments
• Administer first aid and wound care to injured students
• Assess illnesses and injuries and contact parents or emergency services if they are severe
• Monitor and dispense students’ medications
• Provide health education to students

Cna Recertification In Illinois

Recertification is a process for getting back into good standing on the Illinois CNA registry after it is lost due to failure to meet the work requirement. After getting on the Registry via any of the first five paths described earlier, you must not have a work break that exceeds 24 consecutive months. If there is a two-year break, during which you are not paid as a Certified Nurse Aide or to provide nursing-related services, you must go through the following recertification process:

• Take and pass a manual skills test: The test is administered by an Illinois approved evaluator who can be located by contacting the Illinois Registry or a community college. Another option is to complete an Illinois-approved CNA training program and then take the written competency test.
• Pass the background check requirements: An evaluator will mail a completed Manual Skills Evaluation Form to the Illinois Registry. The Registry verifies you passed the manual skills test, the background check, and that you do not have administrative findings. The Registry then mails you a form giving you permission to register for the competency test.
• Take and pass the written competency test: The written CNA test is administered by the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale .

Apply For Your Illinois Rn License

If you successfully finish your degree, its time to apply for your RN license.

In Illinois, you can either apply through examination or endorsement.

Lets look into both.

Licensure by Examination

Applicants who wish to get their license through examination have to apply with Continental Testing Services and Pearson Vue.

Here are the steps:

• Go to Continental Testing Services website, apply for the exam, and pay the $107 fee.

Note: You have 3 years from the date of your application to pass the NCLEX. If you dont, you must submit a new application and pay all fees again.

• Go to Pearson VUE and register for the NCLEX. You have to pay a $200 testing fee directly to them.

• Gather the following documents:
• In-state applicants can use an official transcript, official student roster, or form ED-NUR.
• Out-of-state applicants can only submit form ED-NUR or an official transcript.
• Foreign-educated applicants must have their records certified by CGFNS or ERES.

• Submit these documents to the CTS office at: Continental Testing Services Inc. 547 LaGrange Road, P.O. Box 100, LaGrange, IL 60525

• Once CTS reviews and accepts your documents, you will receive an Authorization to Test from Pearson Vue through your email. Note: make sure to keep this as it contains your NCLEX exam schedule and other instructions.

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How Do I Become A Nurse

To become a nurse, you will need to apply to a nursing program. Each program is different in its requirements for application. Since nursing is a science based program, you will need to consider the following essential coursework in your undergraduate studies: chemistry, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, nutrition and statistics, lifespan development, and other general courses which could include English composition, sociology and psychology. The number and types of courses you will be required to take will depend on the type of degree that you are seeking.

If you would like more information about nursing programs in Illinois visit our education opportunities, pre-licensure education page.

If you would like more information about what a nurse is and/or becoming a nurse, click on the following link for

There are three types of nurses specifically educated and trained to provide nursing care in Illinois. They are classified as follows:

Licensed Practical Nurse

Registered Nurse

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Lpn To Rn Programs In Illinois

Licensed Practical Nurses or LPNs who want to become registered nurses can take LPN-to-RN programs. They are designed to help them expand their existing knowledge and skills to become RNs.

You have two options when you take this route: LPN to ADN and LPN to BSN. The first option is faster and can be completed in just a few months. However, the second option is more popular since more employers are hiring nurses with a BSN degree.

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Length And Curriculum Structure

The Illinois Department of Public Health requires that each program consist of at least 80 hours of lecture-based classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical instruction. The CNA classes in Illinois must also include at least 12 hours of instruction that covers dementia.

The length of the program depends on the school or facility chosen, but most CNA programs take 3 weeks to 120 days to complete. The curriculum is usually one or two classes that include a series of lecture, lab, and clinical training times. For example, at Illinois Central College, the curriculum consists of two courses: HLTH 112 Nursing Assistant Training and HLTH 116 Nurse Assistant: Alzheimers.

At the Technology Center of DuPage, the Basic Nurse Assistant Training curriculum consists of a variety of topics that include the role of the nursing assistant, effective observation/communications, the 21 performance skills, human physical/emotional growth and development, body systems and functions, Alzheimers disease and related dementia, and common health problems and diseases. All curriculums include training in the 21 performance skills, but some can add additional topics. This course is six credit hours and is completed in one semester.

Working As A School Nurse

School nurses mainly find work within public and private schools, colleges, universities, or other academic settings. They typically work Monday through Friday from around 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., which varies by work setting.

According to Payscale data from May 2022, school nurses earn an average yearly salary of $47,960. However, earnings vary by setting, location, experience, educational background, and certification. Earning an advanced degree, such as an MSN and/or certification, is typically the most effective way for school nurses to earn a higher salary.

While the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics does not track school nurses specifically, it projects all RN positions could increase by 9%, slightly above the national average for all other occupations.

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Where Can You Find Free Cna Training In Illinois

There are a few different options for free CNA training in Illinois. To find what youre looking for, the first option is to contact local hospitals and nursing homes to see if they offer CNA training. The second option is to employ an agency that provides this service or look into receiving reimbursement if you currently work at a hospital or nursing home. The third option is joining the armed forces and they provide substantial education benefits including tuition assistance for future training programs during your service period.

The following are the names of Nursing Institutes that may offer free CNA training in Illinois:

Bsn Programs In Illinois

Traditional BSN programs in Illinois require students to pass around 120 credit hours before they can graduate and be eligible for licensure. If students take 15 credit hours per semester, theyll need 4 years to complete the degree.

The cost of BSN programs isnt cheap. If you find yourself with a limited budget, you can look for schools that offer financial aids, loans, and discounts.

With the demand for nurses, youll likely land a job shortly after graduation and earning your license. This means that youll be able to pay off the money you used to complete the program.

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S To Becoming A School Nurse

While specific criteria for becoming a school nurse regarding education and licensure vary by location or employer, the basic requirements remain similar.

While some employers want school nurses to obtain certifications in basic life support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support , and Advanced Cardiac Life Support , all employers require a degree in nursing, a registered nurse license, and clinical experience.

Prospective school nurses need to obtain either an ADN or a BSN from an accredited college or university. However, the National Association of School Nurses recommends hiring RNs with a BSN.

Rather than enrolling in a four-year BSN program, nurses with an ADN can complete an RN-to-BSN program, which takes 1-2 years to complete. Those with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field can enroll in an accelerated BSN program, allowing them to earn their BSN in as little as 12-18 months.

After earning an ADN or a BSN, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses to become eligible for a nursing license.

The exam requires nurses to apply their knowledge to practical medical scenarios and comprises four parts: safety and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.

Most schools prefer their nurses to have 1-2 years of clinical experience prior to employment. Gaining hands-on experience as an RN helps prepare prospective nurses for a school-based role.

Find The Best Nursing School For You

Now that you know which degree to get, its time to look for a nursing school.

The idea of best is fluid youll have to choose based on your needs and preferences. However, there are several areas you may want to consider:

• Approved: You have to make sure that the school you go to is approved by the State Board of Nursing. If not, then you will not be qualified to take the NCLEX exam.

• Accreditation: The National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education are premiere institutions providing certification. Being accredited by these boosts a schools reputation and credibility.

• Delivery Options: Some schools offer their programs online. Some deliver their content in a classroom setting, while others use a blended approach. Going with a non-traditional approach may provide more flexibility.

• Class Size: Teacher-student ratio is an advantage if you need support. Instructors who handle big classes are less likely to give individualized assistance to their students.

• Availability of Financial Aid: Regardless of whether you take an ADN or a BSN, financial support is always a good thing.

• NCLEX Pass Rates: Individual schools have pass rates. Its indicative of how well it prepares its students for the licensing test.

• Placement Assistance: Although there are a lot of nursing opportunities in Illinois, a school offering a placement program can ease your stress since they have an established network of facilities.

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What To Do As A Cna In Illinois

The Certified Nurse Aide tasks may vary, but all revolve around helping patients or long-term care residents maintain a high quality of life through good hygiene and tracking of health status. Typically, a CNA performs the duties described below. These are the performance skills standards taught in state-approved training programs.

• Answer patient calls made with intercom systems, call signals, or signal lights
• Review patient dietary restrictions and ensure a proper diet is followed
• Assist patients with walking alone or with supportive devices
• Turn or reposition patients who are unable to get out of bed
• Cleanse and bathe individuals as necessary for patient health and welfare
• Take and record vital signs
• Monitor and measure fluid intake
• Report signs of patient distress, new symptoms, or other issues
• Assist patients with maintaining comfort and safety
• Assist patients with using the toilet
• Assist patients with light exercise when possible
• Collect biological specimens

The CNA uses various tools and technologies to complete their duties, including medical supplies, like blood pressure monitors and therapeutic equipment and assistive devices like wheelchairs and shower or bath chairs. This can be a physically demanding job because it requires regularly shifting patients or residents in bed or moving them from one location to another.

To Receive The School Nurse Certificate Students Must Complete The Following Courses: Heading Linkcopy Link

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Illinois Lpn Licensing Requirements

Attending an approved nursing program is the main requirement to become an LPN in Illinois. But, once the program is complete, the applicant must also complete the following for licensing:

• Certificate of completion from an approved nursing program.
• Pass licensing exam .
• Pass a criminal background check.

The graduate has 3 years after finishing the nursing program to acquire licensureif not done in this time, another educational program will be required. Illinois LPN licenses must be renewed every 2 years, and the license holder is responsible for 20 hours of continued education each renewal periodevery 2 years.

Three School Nurse Salary

Salary.com reports that the average school nurse salary in 2022 is $52,546 annually. ZipRecruiter estimates that as of January 2020 school nurses in the U.S. earn an average salary of $60,739 per year or $29 per hour.

Depending on the work location this will impact pay. Some school districts pay according to the same scale as a teachers salary these nurses are generally Certified School Nurses . Others earn an hourly rate. Its important to note that this hourly rate is typically lower than most nurses working at the bedside. Even though school nurses report at a state level, the pay scale is not the same across a state.

Overall, pay generally correlates with the cost of living for a specific geographical area as is evident in the pay in different parts of the country. Areas where cost of living is higher will see a higher hourly rate than areas with lower costs.

Unlike other jobs in the nursing field, there is little to no chance for overtime in school nursing. Most positions are a yearly salary and do not have overtime built into the contract. There is some increase in earning potential according to experience and additional education.

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Decide Which Nursing Program To Complete

This is when you need to start putting in the work.

Youre required to complete a board-approved nursing program before you can apply for a nursing license.

Now, there are 2 kinds of degrees you can pursue Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing .

The degree you choose will affect the opportunities available to you in the future. This is also why you need to know which path you want to go.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the 2 degrees:

* Based on NCSBNs 2020 NCLEX Exam Statistics. These show the pass rates specifically for Illinois

Of course, the degree you choose should lead you to your career goal, but dont forget to consider your resources.

How To Get An Advanced Practice Nurse License In Illinois

To become an advanced practice nurse, or APN, candidates must start with an Illinois nursing license that authorizes them to perform the duties of a registered nurse. This means that interested parties will have to acquire the education, experience and certifications of an RN first. Because an APN employs more sophisticated diagnostic skills in performing their duties, this level of license has a few additional requirements.

In addition to starting as an RN, an aspiring APN must hold a master’s degree in nursing or higher and must be nationally certified in one of the following specialties: nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, registered nurse anesthetist, or clinical nurse specialist. An Illinois advanced practice nurse license also requires applicants to submit proof of graduation, an application fee and verification for any licenses obtained from another state. The Illinois nursing board has made its detailed application requirements available online for the benefit of aspiring APNs.

Because obtaining an APN license may take some time, applicants can be awarded a temporary permit to practice advanced nursing work while an application is still pending. These temporary permits are typically valid for six months or until the final APN license is granted. Applications can be completed online at an applicant’s convenience.

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School Nurse Certification Pel

School nurse professional educator licensure with an endorsement in school nursing recognizes the unique knowledge required of the nursing professional in the education setting. Professional licensure ensures standard preparation, knowledge, and practice of the school nurse . The school setting differs from more traditional nurse settings such as hospitals and clinics. Some functions, such as completion of health assessments for special education casework and teaching, require professionally licensed school nurses. Endorsement is granted by the Illinois State Board of Education after the completion of mandatory coursework and a passing score on the school nurse content exam.

Requirements for the School Service Personnel Professional Educator License with endorsement in School Nursing

• Baccalaureate degree
• Licensed as a registered professional nurse in Illinois
• Completion of an approved school nurse certification program for entitlement recommendation for Professional Educator License with endorsement in school nursing.
• 300 hour internship under supervision of a fully qualified school nurse. week experience, supplemented by one or more seminars.
• Passage of the School Nurse Content examination through the Illinois State Board of Education

School Nurse Programs prepare candidates for Professional Educator License with endorsement in school nursing.

Illinois School Nurse Certification Renewal

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