School Nurse Corps Overview
School Nurse Corps (SNC) is a state-wide program approved and funded by the WA State Legislature. Since its inception in 1999, the program has addressed the limited access to registered nursing services in Washington State schools, particularly smaller, rural schools. Access to a registered nurse promotes student safety, improves attendance, fosters academic achievement, reduces health and educational disparities, and contributes to an engaged and informed citizenry and workforce. School Nurse Corps works to expand access to registered nurses, to support school-based health management in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, and to promote professional school nursing standards and practice.
Mission
School Nurse Corps, in partnership with schools, families, and communities, improves student health outcomes, safety, and readiness to learn. School Nurse Corps promotes equity by increasing student access to professional registered nurses and expanding a school district’s capacity to provide a safe and healthy learning environment.
Vision
All children receive equitable, full access to school nursing services to be healthy, safe, and successful in school and life.
Services
- NCESD School Nurse Corps supports all school nurses and school administrators in the agency’s four-county service area, offering health services consultation and technical support, quality improvement support, school nurse orientation, mentoring, resources, and professional development opportunities.
- Eligible school districts who elect to participate in School Nurse Corps receive funding to supplement registered nursing hours and commit to SNC program deliverables and school district responsibilities.
- NCESD School Nurse Corps works collaboratively and in partnership with the AESD Network, WA State Department of Health (DOH), Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), our three regional Health Districts, and NCESD Student Safety & Well-Being in addressing public health concerns in the TK-12 setting. For topics and resources specific to public health concerns in the school setting, including COVID-related resources, access: Public Health Resources
