[BeckyJN]

I have been a nurse for 18 years and I am finally going back for my Bachelor's Degree. I am considering becoming a school nurse and I would like to find out what I need to do. Is there a specific course of action that I need to take? Like study public health or something?:Melody:

[bergren]

It depends what state you are in. Some states it has to be a BSN, which includes Public Health Nursing. Check with your state association: http://www.nasn.org/community/affiliates.htm

Originally Posted by BeckyJN

I have been a nurse for 18 years and I am finally going back for my Bachelor's Degree. I am considering becoming a school nurse and I would like to find out what I need to do. Is there a specific course of action that I need to take? Like study public health or something?:Melody:

[BeckyJN]

Thanx. What has your experience in school nursing? What are its ups and downs?

[GigLs2u]

In the Houston Independent School District the minimum educational requirement is a bachelor's degree for school nurses. The public health course you mention is part of the bachelor's degree in nursing programs. I would suggest seeking an RN-BS/BSN program. The faculty will appreciate your commitment to nursing. In addition, I have witness a more collegial atmosphere between faculty and RN to BSN students.

School nursing is very different than hospital or typical nursing environments. Those who love it stay and those who don't leave. It is very political but I have been in other environments that are just as political.

The principal of the school is your boss. If you have a good relationship with the prinicipal you will love it.

I had more than 20 years of nursing experience before changing to school nursing. It has been a difficult transition because I did not have a mentor. Now, though I can see this as the last speciality in nursing I will chose.

In schools where there is a signficant level of poverty you will function as a triage nurse to help parents determine when they need to take a child to the doctor or dentist. You are the child advocate. There are parents doing what their parents did who are clueless as to when their lack of action is consider neglect or who strike their children. The children are the BEST part of my day!

The most significant con is the salary. I worked a lot of overtime before my transition. When you are accustomed to a particular salary level it can be difficult to change. In comparing salaries you should keep in mind the school nurse salary is based on working 187 days or approximately 9 months.

School districts do not necessarily give you credit for your years in nursing. I benefited from school nurses who fought through Houston Area Federation Teachers union to get some type of credit for years of nursing experience prior to entering HISD as a school nurse. Currently, the credit is 1 year per two years of nursing experience at HISD but you have to prove work history.

2005 was the first year I did not work outside my school. I am enjoying the summer off, which was my original reason for switching specialities. In addition, I have enjoyed my weekends and ALL the holidays off including a week at Thanksgiving and two weeks over the Christmas and New Year holidays.

I hope the above helps! Good luck in your education.

Sincerely,
Joy

[BeckyJN]

Thank you for your response. It was the most thorough response that I found and you offerred just the insight that I needed. I am involved in an RN-BSN program right now and I wanted to consider all of my options when I graduate. This area remains one of my options. Again, thanks.

[chitownchick]

when you get the summers of do yoy still get paid like the teachers?

[sChOOLRN48]

I am not on the pay scale as the teachers..IL doen't require that the school have a CSN-certified School Nurse-and my district dosen't want us to have it because then I would be on the same scale as the teachers with all of thier benefits-TRS, Tenure!

As for getting in...SUB! wanna job I know a district that is desperate! Just kidding! But I think that is a great way to get a feel and get your foot in the door. Not all of the nurses in my district have thier BA or BSN...never hurts to look into it!
peace