The quick-thinking actions of a Figtree Public School staff member stopped 27-year-old Kalia Pike in the car park in the morning but she returned to the location only hours later.

Pike was allegedly wearing blue surgical scrubs, a stethoscope around her neck, but no face mask, about 8.30am on Thursday.

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The staff member approached Pike, who allegedly said, "I'm the new school nurse", which raised alarm bells for the school receptionist.

The woman told Pike to leave the grounds but before she walked away towards Gibsons Road, she took off the surgical pants to reveal dark pants underneath.

A seven-year-old girl, who is vulnerable to COVID-19 virus, was walking to school. As she approached the gate, Pike alleged called out, walked towards her and said, "hi, I'm the new school nurse".

Pike allegedly hugged the student by wrapping her arms around her torso and shoulders for about two seconds, while still not wearing a mask, before releasing her and walking towards the Princes Highway.

Police attended and spoke to the principal.

About 3pm the same day Pike allegedly went to the school again, with the stethoscope tucked into the front of her pants.

A witness, who was aware of the earlier incident, allegedly saw Pike carrying a multi-coloured bag, wearing a tan-coloured shirt and dark-coloured NSW Health pants.

Pike allegedly told another person that she had hugged the student earlier in the day before police were called.

Pike, who was still allegedly not wearing a face mask, was arrested outside of Tyre Power on Gibsons Road and Princes Highway, Figtree.

Pike allegedly told police officers she was a nurse before telling them she walked past the school again in the afternoon to see who was going to pick up the girl she hugged.

Officers seized the NSW Health pants and stethoscope. Pike allegedly admitted to taking crystal methylamphetamine and a large amount of cannabis in the previous 48 hours.

Pike was charged with common assault, not complying with COVID-19 directions and impersonating an authorised officer.

On Friday, Wollongong Local Court heard the alleged incident was the second time in as many weeks that Pike had approached a child.

She was not charged but rather was deemed mentally unwell when she approached and grabbed a four-year-old child who was with their mother on September 17 in Mount Keira.

Defence lawyer Greg Melrose said his client had a cognitive impairment and drug-induced psychosis.

Mr Melrose also added Pike consumed meth and cannabis on a daily basis and submitted her behaviour on Thursday was "very strange".

He said Pike would be willing to comply with bail conditions and accept drug counselling despite telling the court nurse she did not want treatment.

Police prosecutor Sergeant David Weaver said Magistrate Gabriel Fleming "could only wonder" why Pike was allegedly pretending to be a nurse and suggested it was in attempt to get close to a child.

He added it was "good fortune" witnesses were present to see the alleged interactions and call police.

Sgt Weaver said Pike had an extensive record for matters of violence.

Magistrate Fleming said the allegations were "concerning" and the case appeared to be strong. She noted the "risk to his child was extreme".

Pike's bail application was refused, despite her being a "vulnerable person", before the case was adjourned to October 15.

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