The Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden School Nurse Specialty Program prepares registered nurses to fill the important role of a school nurse in K-12 educational institutions across New Jersey, to advance the academic success of their students, and to contribute to the well-being of families and communities. Our graduate program offers a school nurse certificate alone or as a pathway toward the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialty in school nursing. A second MSN track is offered for post-baccalaureate certified school nurses.
The MSN Program prepares the graduate to:
- Utilize research and evidence-based models that will enhance the practice of school nursing in the community and school health office.
- Develop their role as school nurses with a commitment to holistic evidence-based care that meets the needs of students, faculty, and the community, aligning with the RSNC’s core values of social justice, respect, rigor, and resilience.
- Evaluate the impact of the social determinants of health on students to enhance quality health outcomes and academic success.
- Integrate nursing knowledge, ethical principles and evidence-based practice in school nursing that reflects the pursuit of knowledge, cultural competence, and the holistic care of the student.
- Utilize population health theory to sustain a healthy school community.
- Participate in process of health policy development and build a culture of health for continued quality improvement of schools and communities.
- Engage in lifelong learning and professional development to enhance competencies in leadership school nursing practice.
School Nurse Program Faculty
Nancy Pontes, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, DRCC, FNAP, FAAN
- Director, School Nurse Program
- Link to Bio Page
Robin Cogan, MEd, RN, NCSN
- Clinical Coordinator, School Nurse Program
- Link to Bio Page
Joy Atkins, MEd, RN, CSN-NJ
- Part-Time Lecturer, School Nurse Program
- Link to Bio Page
Kathleen McCutcheon, MSN, RN, NCSN
- Part-Time Lecturer, School Nurse Program
- Link to Bio Page
Lynn Owen, MPA, BS, RN, CSN-NJ
- Part-Time Lecturer, School Nurse Program
- Link to Bio Page