NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam 2025 - Free School Nurse Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary responsibility in ethical and professional behavior in nursing, particularly in the context of school nursing, centers on the student. This focus emphasizes that the health and well-being of the student is paramount. School nurses advocate for the physical, mental, and emotional health of their students, ensuring that they receive appropriate care and support to succeed academically and socially. This commitment to the student encompasses a duty to provide safe, effective, and empathetic care tailored to each individual's needs while maintaining professional standards.

While colleagues, educational institutions, and parents play important roles in the educational and health system, the ultimate ethical obligation for a nurse is to the patient – in this case, the student. This principle is rooted in the foundational values of nursing, which prioritize patient advocacy, patient autonomy, and the provision of equitable care. Therefore, the guiding responsibility of the nurse is to uphold these values in their practice, reinforcing the trust placed in them by those they serve.