Registered nurses who wish to pursue a career as a school nurse in Delaware will need to learn about state requirements and the certification process.
Direct questions to:
Ann Covey
Delaware Department of Education
Ann.Covey@doe.k12.de.us
A School Nurse Certification in Basic School Nursing
What is the: Comprehensive Induction Program (CIP)
Program Introduction
Supporting Delaware’s new school nurses is essential to ensuring all of Delaware’s
students receive quality school nursing care for health and learning. The purpose of
the Comprehensive Induction Program is to provide new school nurses with the
support necessary to become familiar with school and district policies, hone their
professional skills, help them evaluate and reflect on their own professional
performance, and develop an individualized growth plan to improve their
effectiveness. Only a school nurse with a continuing license may coach another
school nurse.
Delaware provides a two (2) year coaching program and requires two additional years of
continuing education for nurses new to the profession.
The CIP for New School Nurses strives to meet the following goals:
1. Provide the new nurse with a Coach during the first two years as a school nurse. The
Coach will assist the new school nurse in becoming familiar with school, district, and
state resources, procedures, and policies.
2. Assure an alignment between the components of the Delaware Professional Appraisal
System II (DPAS), the NASN Framework and the School Nursing Scope and Standards
of Practice.
3. Build reflective practitioners who can review their present level of professional
performance and use that data to set goals for future professional development
What is the: 90-Clock Hour School Nurse Certification Program (SNCP)
Program Introduction
The Delaware School Nurse Certification Program is offered to newly employed
Delaware school nurses. Nurses working in a Delaware public or charter school are
required to complete the 90-hour training to meet the certificate requirements per 14 DE
Administrative Code 1582 School Nurse.
The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE), in collaboration with many Delaware
School nurses and other community partners, developed the Delaware School Nurse
Certification Program based on the National Association of School Nurses, Framework
for 21st Century School Nursing Practice. This 90-clock hour program is made up of
components based on the 5 principles of the Framework. It provides information,
resources and experiences that will enable the new school nurse to understand school
nursing services provided in Delaware schools, and transition into the specialty field of
school nursing. These are self-paced modules in an online format available through a
program called Schoology. This program combined with the Comprehensive Induction
for New School Nurses will offer in-depth information along with readings, and
assignments.
National Certified School Nurse (NCSN)
School nurses can earn the NCSN mark of distinction by passing the certification exam offered by the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN).
Candidates must have a Bachelor degree and be employed in school nursing or an area related to school health. NBCSN recommends three years of experience in school nursing.
The exam is offered twice a year at a testing center. The application fee is $360. The Delaware School Nurse Association sponsors a drawing at the annual fall dinner/conference. The 6% stipend for national certification is currently available to school nurses who were certified before December 2008, but we are hopeful that this incentive will be offered again when the state budget crisis is resolved.
NBCSN 2026 Scholarship – Applications Open!
Are you a school nurse from a historically marginalized background or serving historically marginalized school populations? The NBCSN 2026 Scholarship could help cover your exam application fee, review book, and practice exams as you pursue the NCSN® credential.
Deadline: October 1, 2025
Learn More: https://nbcsn.org/certification/nbcsn-2026-scholarship-program
Apply now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7M5KMH2
#SchoolNurse #NCSN #NBCSN #ScholarshipOpportunity #NurseCertification #SchoolNursing
Subject: Apply Now: NBCSN 2026 Scholarship Program – Deadline October 1st
The NBCSN 2026 Scholarship Program is now accepting applications through October 1, 2025. This program provides financial support to school nurses who:
· Come from historically marginalized backgrounds or serve historically marginalized school populations.
· Meet eligibility requirements for the Certification Exam for School Nurses and plan to test in 2026.
Each scholarship recipient will receive a voucher that covers:
· Application fee for the Certification Exam for School Nurses
· School Nurse Certification Review Book (digital or print)
· NCSN Practice Exam Bundle
Applicant requirements include:
· RN license and proof of degree (BSN or higher in nursing, or master’s in education with a concentration in school nursing/school health)
· At least 1,000 hours of school nursing practice in the past 3 years
· A brief personal statement (300 words or less) describing why you are pursuing certification, how your background or experience informs your practice, and how you plan to contribute to the diversity of school nursing
· Documentation of outreach to your NBCSN State Liaison (a copy of your email is sufficient). If your state does not have a liaison, please contact the NBCSN office at liaison@nbcsn.org.
Key Dates:
· Application Due Date: October 1, 2025
· Notification: November 15, 2025
· Testing: Spring, Summer, or Fall 2026