Out of pocket expenses

iggywench, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2014

I spend my own money on decorations, office supplies (the school provides basics; I like colored pens), organizing items like plastic storage baskets, crackers for the students, and some misc. supplies like dish soap, scented hand soap, salt, and baking soda. I solicit extra clothes from the teachers, and the school buys socks and underwear for me.

iggywench, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2014

I get $600 per year to spend from the school's budget, and I use that for all of my medical supplies. This year, there was extra money at the end of the year, so I ordered plastic tubs to organize my spare clothing.

Massmagic · Jul 2, 2014

Unfortunately, I do not have administration that supports me as well as they should. My first year working as school nurse with PK-2, I had issues with incontinence. Parents would not answer their phones to come change their children - the list goes on and on about parents. I would beg them to send in a change of clothes and keep in nurses office - but no - never received anything. So what do you do with a child who is wet and parents will not answer phone? Bottom line is that I had to have brand new under wear in stock. I went to my principal and asked if any money to purchase underwear - nothing ever become of it. So, I was purchasing underwear every week. A teacher hear my cry and she belonged to the St. Vincent De Paul Society at her church and approached the society and they give me a $100.00 Walmart Card whenever I need it. Amazing. I don't know what grades you have, but I cover 3-4th grades now and still get accidents. I know that the bottom line is that I need underwear - as you can't keep a child sitting in urine and feces. If anything that may cost out of your pocket is underwear.

Other than that - occasional socks....some parents at good and ask if there is anything that is needed for the kids and I always say socks and sweatpants. I stopped buying cough drops.....warm saline gargles from now on....and when I run out of cold packs I purchase sponges from the dollar store and baggies and use those as cold paks.

Hope this helps....