The latest recruits will join a force of 10 nurses already working in schools to ensure students in every region are physically, mentally and emotionally healthy.

In the North of the state, the new nurses will work in Port Dalrymple, Deloraine, Exeter and Kings Meadows high schools and Beaconsfield, Exeter, Perth, South George Town and St Leonards primary schools. 

Secondary school health nurse Elizabeth Mackay began work in the first intake of school nurses last year and now helps students with everything from emotional health, relationships, sleep issues or anxiety. 

“I have allocated days that I spend at each school and I run groups at all of those schools, I run health education in the classrooms, one-on-one work and health promotion,” Mrs Mackay said.

“Five new nurses means we’re able to broaden our numbers and our reach in a mix of primary and secondary schools in Tasmania.” 

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the government was on track to have 20 registered nurses working in schools by July 2017. 

“The nurses are making a significant difference for Tasmania’s school children,” Mr Rockliff said.