New to School Nursing- looking for tips & advice

Specialties School

Published

Specializes in Nsg. Ed, Infusion, Pediatrics, LTC.

Hi everyone (*waves). I've been a nurse for 22 years now, mostly in high tech-infusion, critical peds, and nursing ed. & admin. I recently applied to a school nurse position within our home district, and I have already started as a sub nurse.

What do you feel are some of the most important things to know when coming into this specialty? What are your brightest spots? What are some of the pitfalls? Any and all advice is appreciated!

Thanks so much!

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Student health and safety is top priority followed by state mandated screenings followed by district requirements interspersed with visits to AN.

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Hello! I had 20 years prior to entering school nursing. Once you got the basic stuff (forms, protocols, staff rules, etc.). You get a running routine of daily stuff and what to do with PRN stuff that show up. The main stuff is to know what your nurse protocols says and ask if you have doubts. Ex. what to do about fevers, headaches, when to call parents, 911, principal and so on. My brightest spots is fixing minor-moderate stuff and having no crazy days. I smile and go home. Some pitfalls could be handling upset parents, replying to emails, listening and replying to griping teachers, doing favors out of protocol, venting in front of students or others, offering unrealistic solutions. Get out of the clinic on your lunch break daily and relax often!

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Hello everyone! I just started my school nurse career last month; my background is in public and community health. What's been most helpful to me is to read through old posts here, be a NASN (National Association of School Nurses) member for access to their forums and other resources, and to have close at hand School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text. I am also fortunate to have an experienced school nurse as a mentor, as well as a team of nurse supervisors who are available for consult any time. If you can pull together some or all of these resources, I think you will be in great shape. Sending my best wishes to you!

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