Help what would you do?

SnugglePuggle, MSN, RN · Jan 22, 2015

As district nurse would you be the only school nurse for multiple buildings? Or would you be overseeing clinic aides who are assigned to each building? Either way that is a big leap for someone with no school nursing experience. I am not saying you would not be capable; however, I doubt it would be a low stress transition. Depending on your responsibilities you would have much to learn as there are so many facets of the school nurse. Physically, think about the possibility of going to several buildings over the course of the day and there is always some "crisis" holding you up. Make sure you ask about what your role would be in the district and who would be available to help in your transition.

Lucy776 · Jan 22, 2015

I believe there are 2 other rn for the district. In the description it read you would travel to different schools. I did think about that physically going to different buildings in a day, but I just wasn't sure how fast pace that is or are you assigned to the some kids that need Rx and tx? I will find out more. I'm scared and go back and forth. My job now is a lot of multitasking, multiple phone calls and procedures and run up down the halls all day. I like my coworkers great boss, but the insurance is terrible and its 8-9 hours aday the school is 6. If your working in a stressful job for 6 hours I'm not sure either. I appreciate your in out thank you

mamahuff · Jan 22, 2015

How many students in the District?

Lucy776 · Jan 22, 2015

A lot I think there are about 6-8 schools .

mamahuff · Jan 22, 2015

It would be a pretty big challenge to get acclimated to it all. But, shorter days, summers off, holidays (all the perks that we LOVE), plus better/cheaper insurance. I would highly encourage you to strongly consider it. Good Luck!!

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SnugglePuggle, MSN, RN · Jan 22, 2015

My job now is a lot of multitasking, multiple phone calls and procedures and run up down the halls all day.

LOL sounds like my job as a school nurse!

nightie-night nurse · Jan 22, 2015

How physical and active you are really all depends on the student population and their needs. I have been in a school with classes of medically fragile kiddos and I was pretty active and busy all day long. I have also been in a school with fewer classes of medically fragile kiddos where they are mostly self-sufficient. I remain busy, but it is less physically taxing. I am still mentally taxed:specs: and never forget that you never know what is going to walk in the door next. I know of a few nurses who are physically limited and still are able to practice in the school setting, so chances are you will too.

bsyrn, ASN, RN · Jan 22, 2015

I took almost a 1/2 pay cut to become a school nurse. The hours, time off, retirement and insurance made it all worth while!

SnugglePuggle, MSN, RN · Jan 22, 2015

A lot I think there are about 6-8 schools .

That is a decent sized school district for only 3 nurses. Be sure to get some numbers - Total population, average number of special needs students and kids with chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes. The National Association of School Nurses recommends a 1:750 ratio for well students, 1:225 in the student populations that may require daily professional school nursing services, and 1:125 in student populations with complex health care needs. So I guess your district population will dictate how busy/stressed you will be as 1 of 3 district nurses. Just something to chew on!

Lucy776 · Jan 22, 2015

I sure appreciate the input so far school nursing is a foreign area to me and who knows they may not want someone with no experience. My main concern is if its so overwhelming I can't keep up. Yes I will ask about the child ratio. Do you think 4500 deductibleIs paying almost 900 a month is terrible? Thanks for all your support and info and I welcome more advice?

RatherBHiking, BSN, RN · Jan 23, 2015

Yes you're health insurance right now is crappy! School districts usually have much better insurance.

Even though the school day is only 6 hrs, we are required to work 8 hrs. There's always that lag time when kids are coming to school and leaving. In our district we mainly stay in our office as the kids come to us all day for meds, tx, etc and sometimes we will go to special Ed rooms to take care of needs for those kids that need something. My day is always very busy with tons of multi tasking and student visits. I'm lucky to get a break to eat or pee but nothing is usually life threatening so sometimes kids will have to wait. Most of the time I leave myself short notes so I can finish charting later when I have a free moment.

I think you could keep up but I'm not sure how much different energy wise it would be for you. Depends on the school. I've been in some schools that were a lot slower. However, you would get a week off at each major holiday and summers off which is great.

In our district they require 5 yrs experience before hiring and other districts 2 yrs just because you are the only medical person in the building and must have excellent assessment skills and work well on your own. Then you are required to get your school nurse certification and then every 5 yrs you have to take classes to renew that on top of your nursing license CEU's. You could always try subbing to see if you like it or maybe ask to shadow a nurse for a day before deciding.