Not qualified for school nursing

[geocachingRN]

I just found out a nurse in a different school district isn't qualified to hold the position. Her school hired her anyway. She doesn't have a 4 year degree and doesn't qualify for a preliminary school nurse credential-a requirement for the position. I think the school wrote up a contract for her but I don't think this is OK. She hasn't enrolled in a BSN program yet.

She doesn't come to the monthly county wide meetings and I'm concerned with the job she might be doing and that she doesn't know what it is she doesn't know. This could be a very big concern.

I haven't been doing this job very long but I have joined the union, taken classes and done everything in my power to learn. I don't get the feeling she's doing that. Further, she hasn't been much of a team player up until now and that bothers me.

Part of me says it's none of my business if she wants to put her license on the line, except I would hate myself if a child was seriously injured. I'm sure she is as well trained as an ADN new grad nurse and a mother can be, but there is so much more.

Any thoughts?

[Neveranurseagain, RN]

If she uses Nancy Smith, School Nurse, she may be violating state law, depending on which state you are in. I am an RN with an AA, and in my state you only need an AA with the school nurse classes, pass the exam, and then you are considered Nancy Smith, School Nurse. If your state requires a BSN, then she needs to call herself Nancy Smith, XYZ School, Nurse--note the comma after the word School. She needs to call herself a RN or nurse working for the school district, but never a School Nurse unless she has completed all the requirements dictated by your BON or certifying agency.

I am an RN with an AA, not a School Nurse, and I uphold the standard of care that is required.