School nurses could count shortage-area work toward loan repayment

The Secretary may let a qualifying nurse meet a service requirement by working as a school nurse for at least two years. A school nurse must be a registered nurse employed by a school or education agency and qualified under state law to provide health services that meet students' needs. The nurse must work in an elementary or secondary school located in a designated health professional shortage area. A nurse serving part time or part of the year must work enough time to match the hours of a full-time, full-year school nurse, with annual certification of hours. The measure sets aside at least 5 percent of the program's yearly funding for school nurses, but does not state a total funding amount. Service must last two years or longer if the nurse agrees. The Secretary must set annual checks of hours for nurses working part time or part of the year.