Re: Whats is it like to be a school nurse?
Hi Pumpkin,
I've been in school nursing for about 5 years. This is my first year as a "real nurse" because it's hard to get a job in SN around here so I was hired as an aide. As an aide, you need to be licensed but don't get paid well or benefits.
Right now I work in a high school. I'm responsible for about 1,000 students. I have to maintain the health records, make sure all immunizations are up to date, do vision screening, hearing screening, height, weight and BMI's on all the kids as well as all first aid for students and staff.
It's a great job. It can be quite busy, but nothing like the hospital. I do a lot of "counseling". I put that is quotes because my background is not counseling and sometimes I have to send the kids to someone with more knowledge than me but a lot of what I do is just good common sense or health related. I deal with all the drama of high school, pregnancy scares, suicide threats, etc.
Compared to hospital nursing the pay is poor. In Pennsylvania you are hired on the teacher's scale but none of your previous hospital experience counts, so I was hired at step one. I could be making at least twice as much in the hospital. Fortunately, I have the luxury to working for less and enjoying the teacher's schedule. Right now, I am enjoying my 5 day Thanksgiving holiday!
For me, it's the best job I ever had, but it's not for everyone. There aren't other nurses to lean on and ask questions to. Your boss is the building principal who has no idea what you do because his/her background is education.
Here in PA, you need a BSN and an additional School Nurse Certification. PM me if you have more questions. Good Luck!
Search Tags
