LPN working as school nurse in pa

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Aug 20, 2013

I just interviewed for a Health Aid position in my local school district. I also live in PA. The only issue was that I just graduated and haven't taken my boards yet. I was interviewed by a panel. They knew going into the interview that I didn't have my license yet. I guess I nailed the interview because they said they really wanted me for the position however I couldn't be placed there because I wasn't licensed. I even tried the angle of working with my Temp. Practice permit since in the high school there is always an RN there as well however they wouldn't go for it. dde09 But the good news is that there is a position opening in Dec. at one of the Elem. school so they told me they would love if I could fill it. Only bad thing is now I have to wait however I'm so excited!
*So I guess I'm under the impression that in the PA school districts, LPNs are called Health Aids and of course work under the RN in the district. We have our own offices and the RN just has to be available if needed which can be by phone.*

First, congrats on your new position!!!

*Yes, Any nurse who is not a certified School Nurse is a Health Assistant or Health Aid. It is a matter if titles, however you will be keeping record of immunizations, giving meds, and first aid.

Keep looking in this forum for additional threads for resources and guidance. :)

Gook luck on your boards!!!!

PinkHoyt · Oct 18, 2013

First congrats on your new position!!! *Yes, Any nurse who is not a certified School Nurse is a Health Assistant or Health Aid. It is a matter if titles, however you will be keeping record of immunizations, giving meds, and first aid. Keep looking in this forum for additional threads for resources and guidance. :) Gook luck on your boards!!!![/quote']
I know I'm a little late but Thank You!!!
Another important thing to remember is that if you are an LPN you are not a school nurse and cannot refer to yourself as a school nurse...even tho yes...you are a nurse. You can get in trouble for doing this.
I do feel kind of put down tho...I went to school, studied hard and paid a lot of money to do it and am not going to technically be called a Nurse. Does anyone know the reasoning behind the titles? Why couldn't there be a Certified school nurse (bachelor RN with school nurse cert) and then a school nurse which could include RNs that don't have Bach. Or cert and LPNs. Sorry...just thinking out loud!!!

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Oct 18, 2013

I understand; but know of the WORK you are doing, NOT the title.

schooldistrictnurse · Oct 18, 2013

I know it's just a matter of semantics, but just to clarify, all States do not require school nurses to be certified. So in some states, you can be a school nurse and call yourself that without being certified. In my State, certification is not required but BSN prepared RN is required.

Some LPNs do work under an RN in school but I don't know the title they carry. I would doubt that they are called aides, though.

PinkHoyt · Oct 18, 2013

I understand; but know of the WORK you are doing NOT the title. [/quote']
Got that right...I can't wait to start!! Orientation on the 28th FINALLY!

Philly_LPN_Girl, LPN · Apr 29, 2014

Do you work for an agency? I did "school nurse" through my agency at different schools. I did meds and regular care nothing major. In the state of PA, an LPN can be a school nurse assistant and assist the RN and or substitute but can not be the regular nurse. Here in PA the regular school nurse is a RN with a special certification.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Apr 29, 2014

In NJ must be an RN To sub, RN/BSN with post bac certification. LPN can only work as an assistant with RN on site or private duty 1:1 with a patient/student

coughdrop.2.go, BSN, RN · Apr 29, 2014

I know I'm a little late but Thank You!!!
Another important thing to remember is that if you are an LPN you are not a school nurse and cannot refer to yourself as a school nurse...even tho yes...you are a nurse. You can get in trouble for doing this.
I do feel kind of put down tho...I went to school, studied hard and paid a lot of money to do it and am not going to technically be called a Nurse. Does anyone know the reasoning behind the titles? Why couldn't there be a Certified school nurse (bachelor RN with school nurse cert) and then a school nurse which could include RNs that don't have Bach. Or cert and LPNs. Sorry...just thinking out loud!!!

It depends on the State and what Certified School Nurses DO! You are most def a Nurse! In my State (CA) School Nurses are Credentialed School Nurses and have to have a BSN. Credentialed School Nurses are the only ones allowed to do vision testing (or if trained District staff screen vision a Cred. SN has to re-screen failed student to confirm that they failed) and they qualify to take the School Audiometry class to become licensed. Also, other things such as training staff, Medi-Cal billing of specific items, etc. It's weird but we also have to go back to school for the first 5 years to complete our credential. State to state nursing responsibilities/titles are fascinating!

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Apr 29, 2014

I don't know all the rules in my state but I applied for a school nurse position before (I'm an LVN) & no mention of credentials, BSN or anything else. Craziness.

NurseKimA · Apr 30, 2014

In Ohio, I am an LPN, we are called School Health Associates. I've been my schools Nurse for two years now. It was the best decision I have ever made. May not make the big bucks but the schedule is perfect for me and my two kids. We have ten schools in the district, with all LPNs and supervised by an RN BSN CSN.

I really never understood why you have to have more credentials as a school nurse than you do an ER nurse, but I don't make the rules I just follow them. :)

lvnforschool · May 22, 2014

I am an LVN. I answer the phone and say Nurses Office. I tell everyone upfront I am the LVN, and I just dont go there with all the nursey nurse stuff. Lol. I tell them/ask them if they want to speak with the RN. Alot of times I have to tell staff, and parents I am not an RN, And I cannot diagnose or tell you if your nose, fingers, toes etc are Broken...lol Its crazy how they think im a DOCTOR. I just stand my ground, and if I think I am able to perform under my license I will, but if not SORRY, I cant help you. As the saying goes....

" Looking out for #1, so I dont endup in # 2."