New to school nursing

Specialties School

Published

Just wanted to introduce myself. I have been a nurse for 18 years. I have worked hospital nursing for 4 years, then public health for 14 years before deciding to take a job for my county office of education as one of their 3 school nurses. We have several medically fragile classrooms, a few behavioral/mental health classes, and 3 large community schools. We also help with a few of the "smalls" with screenings, etc. We also have one deaf and hard of hearing school. For a new school nurse that has to go back to school for a credential, learn care plans for special education, learn Ed codes and stuff, it is a lot. Some days I feel overwhelmed, some days it is wonderful.

Any way, just wanted to say hi.

Welcome to our crazy world! I think public health and school nursing are first cousins. There is a definite uniqueness to our job and a bit of a learning curve, but you are way ahead of someone who comes in with only hospital experience. This is a great place to hang out and learn and share because we "get it".

Specializes in Home Health,Dialysis, MDS, School Nurse.

Welcome to our corner of the world :) I'm fairly new too, just started this august, so I'm learning stuff every day. It's quiet in here on the weekends, but stop back in on Monday and it'll get rolling!

Welcome! We are here for you!

Specializes in IMC, school nursing.

These nurses bring a wealth of knowledge. Learning so much from them. Welcome.

Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..

goldilocks-- Yaaaay!! So glad to have a new friend to hang out with us!! Welcome to our playground!!! :D

Specializes in kids.

Yup, we are the way cool kids!

Yup, we are the way cool kids!

Darn skippy!

Thank you for the warm welcome.

I am happy to see such an active group.

I must say, there are some days I think I have finally found what I have wanted to do. Then there are other days when I feel like I'm not sure I can juggle it all. There is a lot of autonomy, and with it a lot of responsibility.

Some things are so restrictive, and some things are as "clear as mud". LOL. My latest example: Epi pens and the California Senate Bill 1266.

Some funny things. I found a staff first aid kit in the break room with Latex gloves in it, eye wash with an expiration date of 1999, and a pack of aspirin expired in 1996.

Some annoying things:

Our county can give out nothing except sunblock. No lotion, no Chapstick, just sunblock. And peppermints. They are candy.

Also, going back to school to get a credential in school nursing. Not cheap. So far I have spent $$ on an audiometry class, and now am enrolled in a Special Ed class that will cost about $1100 after books and materials. For 3 units. Ugh. I keep saying it will all be worth it to do something I enjoy, and education is never a waste.....

Anyway, thanks for the vent and I am so happy to have found you!

Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..

Some funny things. I found a staff first aid kit in the break room with Latex gloves in it, eye wash with an expiration date of 1999, and a pack of aspirin expired in 1996.

Thanks- This cracked me up! Soooo true, I am sure we have all found the lost treasure in the first aid kits of old. Yet, another episode of fun that only "we" can appreciate :)

Welcome! It's a wealth of knowledge and camaraderie here. :)

Thank you for the warm welcome.

I am happy to see such an active group.

I must say, there are some days I think I have finally found what I have wanted to do. Then there are other days when I feel like I'm not sure I can juggle it all. There is a lot of autonomy, and with it a lot of responsibility.

Some things are so restrictive, and some things are as "clear as mud". LOL. My latest example: Epi pens and the California Senate Bill 1266.

Some funny things. I found a staff first aid kit in the break room with Latex gloves in it, eye wash with an expiration date of 1999, and a pack of aspirin expired in 1996.

a gem from a first aid kit I found in my office when I started 2 years ago.

attachment.php?attachmentid=20860&stc=1

Oh yes. It's an EpiStick.

Wow an Epistick. LOL. Oh, I love the keepsake picture. I took some too. LOLOL.

http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/ac217/cdgoldilocks/IMG_0027_zpsj4ieut2c.jpg

Sorry it is huge.

IMG_0027_zpsj4ieut2c.jpg

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