School nursing

With APNA membership, school nurses thrive in their careers.

APNA is the peak body and professional membership association for all nurses working outside of a hospital setting in Australia—like the nurses who work in schools.

School nurses play a critical role in maintaining the physical and mental health of children and adolescents. They often act as the first touchpoint for children and adolescents experiencing issues with their health, and are positioned to assist in the event of an emergency at the school.

What’s it like being a primary health care nurse working in a school?

 

APNA membership for school nurses

School nurses who are APNA members receive: up-to-date education and resources; the latest industry news and guidelines; communities, expert advice and support; and career tools and professional benefits. 

See the full range of APNA Member Benefits

Find of what APNA is doing for School Nurses

 

School nurse awarded inaugural Florence Nightingale Foundation Global Scholarship (February 2025)

We are delighted to celebrate our first APNA Scholar, a school nurse whose dedication to the profession truly embodies the spirit of the APNA Foundation. This milestone honours the vital contribution of school nurses in Australia.

As part of the prestigious Florence Nightingale Foundation’s Leadership Scholarship Program, Samantha Browne of Riverside Christian College, Queensland will embark on a transformative journey of personal and professional growth, including time spent in London with other global scholars. This unique opportunity will allow Samantha to develop her leadership skills, work on a meaningful change project aimed at addressing the challenge teachers face with acute mental health presentations in the school environment, and contribute to improved clinical and health outcomes.

Congratulations Samantha, your journey is an inspiration to us all!

Read more

School Nurses Handbook (NEW: released August 2024)

APNA has developed an online handbook to support school nurses. It serves as a comprehensive tool, guiding them in best practice guidelines, evidence-based practices and providing essential resources.

Click here to view the member-only handbook

(Not a member? Join APNA for full access)

Specific APNA member benefits for school nurses

Online Education

Enrol in over 30 courses relevant for school nurses, either FREE or discounted for members—including courses on Asthma, Wound Management, Anaphylaxis Management, Adolescent Fertility, Basic Life Support, STI and Blood Borne Viruses, Mental Health & much more.

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Expert Support and Advice

Receive one-on-one support from experienced nurses on APNA’s Nurse Support Line. If you’re having trouble with a clinical issue, have a question about navigating a guideline or want to understand the career pathways for a school nurse—we’re only a phone call or email away.

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Community and Networking

Connect with other school nurses via the APNA Member-Only Facebook group. After all, no one understands school nurses better than a school nurse.

 

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Educational Events – Workshops, Webinars and Festival of Nursing

Learn, connect and re-energise alongside other school nurses at the annual APNA Festival of Nursing, with a variety of education sessions for school nurses. Don't want to wait? We run a number of educational workshops and webinars throughout the year perfect for school nurses.

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News and Resources

New developments in school nursing? You'll be the first to know with an email alert sent straight to your inbox. We will keep you up to date with an e-newsletter just for school nurses at the beginning of each term.
 

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Professional Indemnity Insurance

Protect your livelihood and career. APNA has negotiated cost-effective Professional Indemnity Insurance for its members which covers school nurses for anything within their scope of practice. 
 

 

See the full range of APNA Member Benefits

Click here to view all membership types and more information.
 

The Essential Role of School Nurses in Primary Health Care:
APNA and School Nurses Australia