Is it worth the little pay?

Specialties School

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Hello all! I recently had an interview today as a school nurse as an LPN. I have only 3 months nursing home experience, but brought a binder full of first aid, neb treatments, lice info, seizure info, diabete info, etc, to show I was serious. They seemed to be impressed, said anybody would be lucky to have me (Thats what they all say -rolls eyes- ) But, I asked about pay...she said its usually 19,000 something to 33,000, me probably starting at the lower end because of experience. Now, from what I hear benefits are great. I am 21 and I want to start my life out. I work graveyards at the nursing home, about 2-3 days a week, 16.50. I get soooo stressed there. I do a great job from what people tell me, but I get so excited thinking of working at the school. Having a work family, helping kids, setting up bulletins and announcements, a DAY job, which I never thought I would miss til I started nights. Well, I guess what I'm asking is...is working at alittle more pay than I basically get at a grocery store (Where I also work), worth it? Is it worth the less stress. I work a hall some nights where I have 40+ people because I get two halls...imagine morning med pass, guh, and PRN meds...Can you even haggle with salary? If they say we're starting you at the lowest, can you beg to differ? hahaha. Thanks in advance, and please pray I do get the job though for me!

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

well... if you were working full time at the NH at the salary you listed, you'd make around 33k. now - since you noted you work 2-3 days per week there, i am going to guess you probably don't have benefits there. so that 33k figure would probably go down to 25-28 k as a generous guess. Considering the different atmosphere (i won't say less stress, because that is subjective), the fact of no weekends or holidays and probable snow days (depending on where you live) as well as the aspect of having a break at christmas, easter and in the summer, i'd say the overall reduction in pay probably balances out the perks.

If you only have 3 months of nursing experience, i wouldn't get too demanding about salary. Good luck, and don't let the job fool you into thinking it's a breeze... it's far from it.

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Oh I dont want it to be a breeze. Its just I feel at the NH with the nurse resident ratio, it is insane, I feel like I'd lose my license over it eventually. Full time at the nursing home is 32 hours a week, crappy benefits. I'm just basically wondering if I'd be happy with the less pay in the long run. I feel sometimes as though I went to school for LPN and I'm getting paid less than people I know without college education. I feel passionate about school nursing and i really hope I'll love it if I get it. I also want to be able to survive off of it. Would we get bonuses at least? Is there any extra money ever?

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Specializes in Acute Care, CM, School Nursing.

IMO, the schedule and (at my job, anyway) benefits are so nice, it's worth the lower pay! It is not easy, and there are days I want to pull my hair out... But ultimately, it's great!

We get raises every year. Not huge raises, but a raise nevertheless. My job will also pay for higher education, which is nice.

I agree with Flare, I wouldn't try to get a higher salary at this point in your career.

Best wishes!

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Specializes in School Nurse, Maternal Newborn.
Hello all! I recently had an interview today as a school nurse as an LPN. I have only 3 months nursing home experience, but brought a binder full of first aid, neb treatments, lice info, seizure info, diabete info, etc, to show I was serious. They seemed to be impressed, said anybody would be lucky to have me (Thats what they all say -rolls eyes- ) But, I asked about pay...she said its usually 19,000 something to 33,000, me probably starting at the lower end because of experience. Now, from what I hear benefits are great. I am 21 and I want to start my life out. I work graveyards at the nursing home, about 2-3 days a week, 16.50. I get soooo stressed there. I do a great job from what people tell me, but I get so excited thinking of working at the school. Having a work family, helping kids, setting up bulletins and announcements, a DAY job, which I never thought I would miss til I started nights. Well, I guess what I'm asking is...is working at alittle more pay than I basically get at a grocery store (Where I also work), worth it? Is it worth the less stress. I work a hall some nights where I have 40+ people because I get two halls...imagine morning med pass, guh, and PRN meds...Can you even haggle with salary? If they say we're starting you at the lowest, can you beg to differ? hahaha. Thanks in advance, and please pray I do get the job though for me!

When I started in School Nursing in 2003 AS AN RN WITH OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE, I was getting 16,000 per year. You want to know what? It was the best career move I ever made. I worked at that low paying job for several years, till something better opened up in a neighboring school district.

"A bad day in my office as a school nurse is ALWAYS still better than a good day at the hospital."

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When I started in School Nursing in 2003 AS AN RN WITH OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE, I was getting 16,000 per year. You want to know what? It was the best career move I ever made. I worked at that low paying job for several years, till something better opened up in a neighboring school district.

"A bad day in my office as a school nurse is ALWAYS still better than a good day at the hospital."

WOW - I love your advice!

I work @ a SNF and make GREAT $$ for my area and the checks are fantastic. I also sub in my local school district -- and I'm recently being considered for a 1:1 position in same district. I continue my education and have also been accepted into an LPN to RN program for Fall 2012! Yippeeeeee!

My GOAL? Is to become a school nurse! lol -- sounds crazy where there is so much $$ to be had but honestly -- this is my goal. I am a mother of three -- 9; 8; 6 and I love the schedule and this post has just solidified that if the $$ they offer me for the 1:1 is not great -- that's not what's important! Getting my foot in the door is important and I'm so fortunate as my children's school nurse xo me and she's 62 and wants to retire in 2 years :bow:

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Peds, School Nurse, DD.
When I started in School Nursing in 2003 AS AN RN WITH OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE, I was getting 16,000 per year. You want to know what? It was the best career move I ever made. I worked at that low paying job for several years, till something better opened up in a neighboring school district.

"A bad day in my office as a school nurse is ALWAYS still better than a good day at the hospital."

I totally concur! I've been an RN for 35 years, 27 in peds. I made the jump from hospital to school 5 years ago and it has been a match made in heaven. I work part time, so I don't get benefits or regular raises. I make a LOT less than i could if I would work 12hr night shifts in an ICU. I've done that, i don't want to do that anymore.

I love taking care of children. I know that what i do is important. Not to be dramatic, but sometimes I do change lives. I am happy to go to work everyday. I am treated with respect and appreciation. No longer am I stressed out with my job. Not to say that every day is bunnies and unicorns, but I am just a much happier person in this lower stress environment.

School nursing, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...June, July, August...Christmas, Thanksgiving, Mothers Day, Memorial Day weekend...no on-call, no doubles, no 11-7....ahhhhhh...

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School nursing, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...June, July, August...Christmas, Thanksgiving, Mothers Day, Memorial Day weekend...no on-call, no doubles, no 11-7....ahhhhhh...

You said sooo many other wonderful points but this was hilarious! This is great and I can't help but say -- BRAVO!

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Specializes in Peds, School Nurse, clinical instructor.

yes its worth it and no, I would not ask for a higher salary. Good luck :)

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Is it worth the paycut? A thousand times yes.

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I work as a school nurse and even though I have to work 6 weeks in the summer it is so worth it. I have off every major holiday and work from 830 to 3 so Im home with my kids. I have been working at this school for almost 3 years and love it and all the perks that come with it. Salary 40K. Good luck with your decision.

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I took a pretty big paycut to come and work at my school, but I could care LESS! I absolutely love this place!! and the hours are pretty awesome! and the stress is minimal...

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