[92mxmom]

While perusing ads for school nurses in my area...I found 2 for full-time, traditional schedule (summers off). What I found for the salary for both positions was a $20,000 range in lowest to highest salary, around $35k-$55k+. At the lowest salary, I couldn't afford to have that job. At the highest, it is just slightly lower than what I make at 2 jobs together, coupled with the schedule, that would be awesome! I know experience is part of the game, but what exactly are employers looking for to get that top salary??

Thanks for reading!

[Cindylufus]

I don't make nearly that. I have 1.5 years nursing experience and I have only been a school nurse 3 months. My salary is right around 42,000 with summers off. I do know some make a little bit more and if you have your masters I think you could hit the top figure you are looking at. You have to remember though it is public health and the pay is never that good..but the rewards are greater than the pay. Good luck!

[luvschoolnursing]

Don't know where you live but in PA, we follow the teacher's contract for pay. Starting in my district is about $33,000. Much lower than the hospital full time but if you like it, it's a great job.

[92mxmom]

Thanks for your responses. I did find a salary scale but I not sure if I am reading it right. On one area it is listed a professional position and on another it is educational support. Sounds like a great opportunity and I plan to look into it.

**I live in southeastern/hampton roads VA

[michigooseBSN]

In my town nurses are on the teachers' pay scale and in the teachers' union. In my eighth year as a school nurse (after many as a med-surg nurse) I'm making over 65,000. Hard to beat considering the hours and vacations.

[92mxmom]

WOW! My in-laws live in MI. Maybe I should shack up with them!

After further investigation, I still have no solid #'s to work with as far as salary but I found out a little more about benefits etc. Much of the benefits package looks typical for our area school systems, except this particular system doesn't offer short-term/long-term disability like the others. This is a big thing for me as we are trying to get pregnant and we really can't afford no income for 6+ weeks. I am looking into AFLAC prices just in case but if we get pregnant right away (or if I am already ), I may not be covered as I think you have to be on the plan for 10 months prior to delivery. And I wouldn't qualify for FMLA leave.

However, if I should get pregnant in June/July, I'd be ok and get 5-6 months off between FMLA and summer!

The other kicker...
In regards to vacation/personal/sick leave...it seems standard around here that for a 10 month contract, you don't get vacation because of the schedule and you get 12 sick days, 3 of which can be used as "personal" time. So...I wouldn't have any vacation to back up maternity leave during the school year, and I am going back to school in May for FNP. Clinicals won't start until fall of 2009, but I don't know what kind of hours I'll have to do yet.

I should just stick with the job I have but I have been here 11 years and I am itching to do something different if I can afford it! This job would be great having with a school age child and a baby!

[Evelyn381]

That is the best salary I have seen. Do you have a Masters Degree?

[Evelyn381]

Originally Posted by michigooseBSN

In my town nurses are on the teachers' pay scale and in the teachers' union. In my eighth year as a school nurse (after many as a med-surg nurse) I'm making over 65,000. Hard to beat considering the hours and vacations.

Opps posted wrong earlier.

What did you start at? That seems to be the best salary I have seen thus far for school nursing. Also what degree do you hold?