Interview for School Nurse position...how to prepare?

[karleigh235]

I have an interview for a school nurse position next week, and I am new to school nursing. There are two positions available, one in a middle school, one in a high school. I would appreciate any feedback about how to prepare, what to review, things experienced by those in the field for a long time. I am really excited to get into school nursing, so want to prepare and do well. Thanks!

[Marlene39]

I have an interview for a school nurse position next week, and I am new to school nursing. There are two positions available, one in a middle school, one in a high school. I would appreciate any feedback about how to prepare, what to review, things experienced by those in the field for a long time. I am really excited to get into school nursing, so want to prepare and do well. Thanks!

Well, I haven't ever been a school nurse, but I had an interview for a school nurse position yesterday and got the job. They had a list of questions, some nursing questions with prioritization (think ABCs) and some that asked what I would do in certain situations. I remember a question that was something like, "Johnny has come into the nurses office 10 times in the last 2 weeks and doesn't appear to be sick. What would you do?" I said that something was obviously wrong with Johnny, even if it wasn't physical, and would talk to his teacher and any other staff that works with Johnny, maybe observe him on the playground, lunch room or PE and see if I can detect anything unusual. I would also develop a trusting relationship with Johnny and hopefully he would open up to me about why he didn't want to be at school or in class. Who knows, maybe Johnny just wants attention or maybe Johnny can't actually. Either way, it is important to find out.

Most of the questions were like this and were attempting to see if I had a brain or would just sit in the health office and wait for kids to come in to treat their boo boos. There were some general first aid questions and they even asked what I'd do if a teacher came in with a headache. Assessment is always your first and most important tool. Giving out a medication is not going to be your answer in most situations. There was also a diabetes question. Assess blood sugar first then treat. Oh, and they asked me if there was anything I was passionate about that I would want to implement in the schools. I'm a nutrition buff and feel that kids aren't getting the information they need to make good healthy choices. Parents don't always know what constitutes a healthy diet, so there needs to be a lot of non-jugemental education. There are tons of other things you could pick too, but that one seem to impress them and I can't wait to get started!

Oh, and dress like you are the professional nurse that you are. I was pretty shocked to see another interviewee in casual khakis and a t-shirt. School nurses are an intergral part of the education team!

Best of luck with the interview and let us know how it goes!!