Middle or high school???

[RatherBHiking]

I've mainly done grade school (with a little middle school at times thrown in there) but we have some openings coming up and I'm looking to make a change. I really want to get out of grade school. I'm burned out and need a change from constant ice packs, bathroom accidents, and invisible scratches that need a bandaid. Obviously we all know there's so much more to being a grade school nurse, I'm just ready to deal with older kids. My own kids are high school aged and above (but I don't work in their district.)

I'm considering a middle school that's only 15 min away from my house ( I currently drive 30 min to work) or a high school that's 20 min away. I really like the idea of the 15 min commute but not sure about middle school age group with all their hormones, emotional issues, and attitudes. The kids are 6th-8th grades and there are about 550 kids. Then the high school is even bigger (1650 kids), the kids are bigger, and then with all these school shootings it makes me nervous. I know for a fact the nurse there now just lets any student go home that asks to. Is that normal? I feel like that shouldn't happen but I just don't have experience with the high school type of duties. Are the high school kids respectful for the most part? Which age group would least likely have frequent flyers or those trying to just go home? I just can't decide which to pick so any insight would be great. Thanks!

[iggywench, BSN, RN]

I wear scrubs in the high school setting, but I do participate in the dress-up days that we have during football season.

[Farawyn]

I would take the smaller, closer, school as long as they aren't 12 and under.

Middle School.

[peaceful2100, BSN, RN]

I started out at High School, now I am Elementary/Middle School.

I want the High School back more than anything. Give me High School any day!!

Never in a million years thought I would say that, but to me it was better! Everyone has a grade level they are better suited for without doubt!

[SchoolNurseTXstyle]

I have done MS for 9 years and I am burned to a crisp. it is the worst of both worlds - 6th grade babies and too grown up for MS 8th graders.

THE.DRAMA.IS.REAL and nonstop.

[Farawyn]

I started out at High School, now I am Elementary/Middle School.

I want the High School back more than anything. Give me High School any day!!

Never in a million years thought I would say that, but to me it was better! Everyone has a grade level they are better suited for without doubt!

I have done MS for 9 years and I am burned to a crisp. it is the worst of both worlds - 6th grade babies and too grown up for MS 8th graders.

THE.DRAMA.IS.REAL and nonstop.

Oh. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE HS.

But less kids, closer to home and no Varsity Sports to deal with?

Middle school.