[JennyMac]

I'm a new nurse working in telemetry but interested in doing something else--just wondering what type of orientation is provided to brand new school nurses? Who orients you?
Also, how many of you out there went into school nursing with little to no prior nursing experience, and do you think this made the job more difficult than it would have otherwise been? Thanks!

[manna1qd]

Orientation varies, usually you are mentored and the teacher orientation is mondified for the purposes of the administration. Your clinical orientation varies. I have a good deal of experience and my orientations have been more about reports and paperwork than clincial expertise. I am thinking some school districts have a really good clinical orientation and I think they all should: diabetes/pumps, asthma/inhalers, ADHD and other medications common to the school setting, allergies all focused nursing assessment, intervention and evaluation. We will be orienting a new nurse just out of nursing school to be a sub. She has kids and that gives you a little bit more idea of how to make judgements calls but she will really need to be oriented differently than a seasoned nurse. Anyway, check into the certification requirements if you are seriously looking into it. You will need more credits to make the money on a teacher's salary scale. The rest of the positions are considered paraprofessionals (aides) and are paid accordingly.

[luvschoolnursing]

NO orientation. I had a mentor who worked in another building and was available to answer questions. Always good to have some experience first as well and maybe working as a sub in some schools first to get a feel for things.

[bergren]

I see you are in New York. New York was the poster child on how to orient new school nurses and their lead has been followed in many states (see below) . You should ask for and get an mentor in your district and many state school nurse associations also offer mentorships with an experienced member.

NYSASN in association with New York State Education Department
and New York State Nurses Association presents its

20th Annual School Nurse Orientation

August 17-21, 2008

The Lodge at Welch-Allyn Conference Center ~ Skaneateles, New York

A 5-day comprehensive program designed to prepare the beginning school nurse for many aspects of school nursing practice. During the 5 days school nurses will attend lectures on clinical and legal issues as well as standards of school nursing practice. Child protection, emergency preparedness, immunization requirements, physical examination, mental health issues are but a few of the many topics covered. Watch for our postcard announcement in the mail and visit our webiste for a registration form. Book Early, as this is a very popular event.

* SAVE THE DATE ~ *WATCH FOR MORE DETAILS ON THIS WEBSITE *
http://www.nysasn.org/conferences.html

[bergren]

I should have added, I attended the August state run orientation in Minnesota when I first moved there and was hired at the conference and started work a week later. So if interested in a school nurse job, try attending the orientation.

[JennyMac]

Thanks so much for the responses!!