New School Nurse

[yanisetsarai]

Hello everyone! I am a new nursing graduate who has gotten the opportunity to work as a school nurse. I was working full time at a subacute facility and part time as a school nurse. I recently got offered a full time which I gladly took. However, I am having a hard time because some members of the school administration keep asking me to do things that are outside of nursing. They are all very nice however I feel uncomfortable because I am a nurse and this should be my focus. I do not know how to go about saying no to them. If anyone has any advice for me that would be great.

[OldDude]

Welcome!!! Are you talking about asking you to do things outside of your nursing "department" or things that are outside of your Nurse Practice Act?

[Eleven011]

Hi!! and welcome!

If you are talking about "other duties as assigned", many of us have them, and there isn't alot you can do about it. My school is pretty good at letting me just do nursing stuff, but there attitude is we are a "team" and we all work together. I know some people cover for office staff, supervise drop off/pick ups, etc. I have recess duty 2 times a week. If it is putting your students in harms way by making you unavailable, then absolutely speak up. Otherwise, take it as part of the job!

[tonih79, LPN]

my contract doesn't allow me to cover the office i have volunteered to help out on occasion i will look at the policy or see what other students in the district are doing. I have to beg to be apart of the circle im finally in i usually come out at dismissal to watch the kids in the hall and make sure they are behaving. No recess duty no luch duty or before and after school duty for me.

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

We have parents volunteer to cover lunch in the area I have my office in. I set up for lunch daily and I am called on to quiet down students when they are a little too loud. I'll never understand why it matters that I am staff when it comes to behaving? I cover the front office, which used to be my responsibility for the last 2 school years. I cover dismissal as needed and do transportation to the elder daycare our 6th graders visit monthly. I am fairly idle, so I love the opportunity to help.