Slippery Rock University's School Nursing Classes:

Offered Summer Term:

Sp Ed 530: Nursing Issues in Special Education (3 credits)

 This course examines each category of exceptionality found in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  Emphasis is placed on the application of this information in the role of the School Nurse.

Offered Fall Term:

Nurs 512/513 Nursing Process with School Populations (6 credits)

Nursing Process with School Populations is a required course in the School Nurse Certificate Program.  This course is also offered as an elective course within the upper division nursing major.  Both theory and practicum are required for eligibility for certification as a school nurse in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  The role of the professional nurse in providing care to clients in the school environment is explored from a past, present, and emerging perspective through the use of distance education technology to present theory and a concurrent clinical practicum were students experience first hand the role of practicing school nurses.  

The student focuses on the interacting personal, social, and biologic subsystems as well as the major socioeconomic, legal, political, and ethical factors which influence the health and well being of the school-aged child and adolescent.  Students are prepared to use an evidence based approach in their professional practice related to school health, school nursing, and/or nursing process with school populations. More specifically, the theory and the accompanying practicum in the school provides the student with an opportunity to explore the independent and interdependent role of the school nurse when applying the nursing process for purposes of maintenance, promotion, and restoration of high level wellness for all students enrolled within the school system. Within all components of the course, the responsibility of the school nurse to exercise leadership, in collaboration with teachers, administrators, and parents for planning, implementing, and evaluating the school health program is emphasized.  (6 semester hours [3 theory; 3 clinical]).  Theory and practicum required for school nurse certification.  

Prerequisite:  NURS 313/314

Placement - Junior/Senior Level

Offered Spring Term:

Nurs 515 - Management of School Health Services by School Nurses  (3 credits)

This course is designed for the nurse who wishes to prepare for certification as a School Nurse. Topics will include the role of the school nurse, school health program management, leadership strategies, school law and the legal and professional responsibilities of the school nurse.

NOTE:  In order to register for 500-level courses, a Permission to Enroll in 500-Level Courses must be completed.   Click here for details or click on the links below if you know which form you need:

Permission for Undergraduates to Enroll in 500 Level Course for Undergraduate Credit

Request to Earn Graduate Credit for Senior Undergraduate Students

Post-Baccalaureate Permission to Enroll in Courses for Graduate Credit

For information on the Slippery Rock University School Nurse Certification Program, contact:

Dr. Judith DePalma, Chairperson

Department of Nursing

112 Strain Behavioral Science Building

Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock, PA  16057

724-738-4921

nursinginfor@sru.edu