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I am not sure if this question will make sense but...

I am a certified school nurse in Pennsylvania. I have been employed as the full time certified school nurse for the last 3 years at the same school. This year I have fallen victim of the economy and have been demoted to a long term sub with full salary and benefits.

Am I, as a 'sub' allowed to work independently or do I have to work under another certified school nurse?

I think I am letting my emotions get the best of me and am over thinking this but I have gotten several answers from several people in our district, including the union. I have read the PA school nurse manual, along with the PA school nurse code and can't find anything that would require me to work under a certified.

Any info would be helpful.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

Have you sought the opinions of your school district's attorney or the PA BON?

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"Am I, as a 'sub' allowed to work independently or do I have to work under another certified school nurse? "

You are talking aobut 2 different things. One is a job description and one is a license and certification.

RNs always work as an RN independently for the skills and procedures that come under that license. You do not ever "delegate" in the legal sense to a RN - they hold full responsiblity and accountability for the care they provide.

Being a sub does not take away your certification, nor your authority to fulfill the obligations of that role. Being a sub, will likely mean you are not going to have that opportunity as often, as other nurses will be assigned to the ongoing IEP and developing the accomodations for kids with 504s.

Check with your Pennsylvania school nurse consultant: http://www.nassnc.org/files/MemberList2010.pdf

Is this really a demotion? It sounds like a new assignment. I am sure you are not happy about being pulled from a school where you are happy, but this could be a growth opportunity to see the district and the school nurse role from a broader perspective. Use this year to learn and develop new skills!!!

Good luck!!

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Thank you for this explanation. I feel much better today than I did a few days ago!! There are a lot of changes in our district and I need to sit back and relax. Like you said this could be an opportunity.

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So glad you feel better!!! Let us know how things progress.

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