At a time when students face rising rates of anxiety, trauma, and chronic health conditions, school nurses are doing far more than managing flu symptoms or monitoring medication. They are creating safe, supportive environments that help students feel seen, calm, and cared for. Supplemental Health Care had the opportunity to attend the 2025 National Association of School Nurses (NASN) Conference, where we saw this work in action and came away even more committed to helping school nurses thrive.
According to a June 2023 article in NEA Today, fewer than 40 % of public schools employ a full-time registered nurse, based on data from the National Association of School Nurses. In rural districts, that number drops significantly. At the conference, leaders from under-resourced schools spoke candidly about the difficulty of recruiting and retaining school health professionals. One rural nurse reported serving multiple campuses across long distances with limited clinical support. The result is increased burnout and a lack of continuity for students who rely on these relationships for care and stability.
School Nurses Are Vital to Student Wellness
The conference made clear that the nurse’s office is not just a clinical space. It is often the only quiet room available to a student who feels anxious or overwhelmed. It is where students go when they are unsure how to describe their symptoms or when they need a moment to regroup before returning to class. These visits are not always about physical illness. They are just as often about stress, fear, or sadness.
One session, “Together: Enhancing Student-Nurse Relationships Through Humor,” showed how simple, thoughtful interactions can build trust. Playful gestures like silly hats or a stethoscope with googly eyes help lower student anxiety. These creative tools turn a medical environment into a welcoming one. That trust lays the foundation for more effective care and helps students feel emotionally safe at school.
Rural Schools Face Unique Staffing Challenges
Throughout the event, many nurses from rural districts spoke of the pressing need for additional staffing support. They described students who live in medically underserved communities. They also talked about long days that require them to manage care across several buildings. Supplemental Health Care listened closely. We know that the best solutions are built in partnership with those on the front lines.
As a trusted staffing partner, we are committed to supporting rural schools with flexible, reliable clinical staffing models. Our school health professionals step in to provide consistent care, even in areas where hiring full-time staff is not feasible. This helps schools maintain health programs and gives students access to the care they deserve.
Supporting School Nurses Helps Students Succeed
We left NASN 2025 inspired by the resilience and creativity of school nurses everywhere. They are doing essential work with limited resources. They are showing up for students not only as medical professionals, but also as trusted adults and problem solvers.
Supplemental Health Care is proud to stand with school nurses. Whether your district needs support for one school or twenty, we are ready to help. Contact us today to build a staffing strategy that ensures every student has access to the care and support they need.
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