School Nursing...the best of jobs and the worst, all at the same time !

OyWithThePoodles, RN · May 16, 2016

I do get frustrated on occasion. But this is honestly the best job I've ever had. Truly a blessing.

But, it may not be for everyone, you simply have to weigh the pros and cons. For me, the pros far outnumbered the cons.

I agree, I wish people would just let us do our job like we are trained to do! And I wish we could the tell kiddos who feel entitled to dry it up. But it is what it is. That's why I come here to vent.

SchoolNurseTXstyle · May 16, 2016

Been doing this 10 years and feel that every year gets tougher and tougher. This morning, got here early to pack a field trip bag, called the person responsible for taking it as a reminder. Then that person never came to get it!! Well, not my fault if you need anything. I am tired of handing everything to everyone on a silver platter.

Then, kid comes and wants to call mom to bring cold meds. Ughh, you just saw her a few minutes ago...... Mom brings meds (2 hours later) and drops it off in front office and a student aid brings it down AFTER I told mom she has to sign a form in clinic. Had to stop taking care of a kid to reach mom before she got far from school. Mom was annoyed. Well, if you gave her the stupid med before school, then we could have all not wasted so much time.

If these were isolated incidents, it would be one thing. However, it seems like every day you are fighting a no win battle with these people!!

NutmeggeRN, BSN · May 16, 2016

I realize it's the end of the year and everyone here has frayed nerves......but after many years as a SN, I realize that it get's harder to enjoy this job. I do love the kids and their many needs, and I love being able to help kids out when they are feeling poorly.
But.....I am so dang burned out on overbearing teachers who want to control every aspect of the clinic. I used to be respected for my profession and my hard earned license, but this has gone by the wayside. No respect. Unless you are in Education, you are nothing.
I feel disrespected and second guessed over and over most days.
I try to support our educators, but respect is earned, and it works both ways.
Students: They are more demanding than ever before. No manners and no respect.
Parents: No respect. Demanding. Coddling kids who are NOT SICK. Parents whowon't give us current emergency phone numbers, so we can call them if their child is sick, injured.
The one constant here is: NO RESPECT !!
I'm trying here, but it's hard. Please tell me if I am the only one who feels this frustration ?

Bolding is mine, that is how I usually feel about my guidance department. Was not always like this. :no:

Skips, MSN, RN · May 16, 2016

I feel frustrated about those things, too. It's definitely a common theme that I'm experiencing, and this is my first year as a school nurse.

crazynursebsn · May 17, 2016

I totally understand how you feel. My 6th year as a SN here and each year the disrespect (from kids and parents) gets worse. Parents want to drop off their kids at school and wash their hands of them for the 8 hours during the school day. But then when something goes down - it's our fault.

1mrsbs · May 17, 2016

I totally understand how you feel. My 6th year as a SN here and each year the disrespect (from kids and parents) gets worse. Parents want to drop off their kids at school and wash their hands of them for the 8 hours during the school day. But then when something goes down - it's our fault.

SO TRUE!!!!!!!!!!

OldDude · May 17, 2016

I'm with ya...it'll suck the life out of ya. But I feel better when I think about going back to working year round, nights, every other weekend and holidays.

There, don't you feel a little better?

nursmimi, BSN, RN · May 17, 2016

I agree with all of you and this is only my 2nd year! HOWEVER, I agree with Olddude most! Just cannot face year round, nights, weekends or holidays again! Oh and today the gingerbread man came running through my office and left icing on my door...so much fun to see the Kindergarten faces when that happens! Most of the time it's fun here

Flare, ASN, BSN · May 17, 2016

I agree, but at the same point I feel that can only work with what I have at hand. If parents don't supply me with information, it's on them when I am not aware of conditions,can't get ahold of them and call 911, don't give a medication, give a medication they wanted d/c'd but expected me to know using my psychic skills etc.

as far as teachers go- I take them with a grain of salt. I get when they first meet me that they don't know me and may not know how I do things. But by year two or so it's my office and I really don't care how the old nurse did things. I'm the sheriff in town now. My office, my rules. I will grant to teachers that they may be more familiar with students on some grounds and in many instances. So I may humor them. But I also probably won't if they are sending me total bs

SchoolNurseTXstyle · May 17, 2016

I'm with ya...it'll suck the life out of ya. But I feel better when I think about going back to working year round, nights, every other weekend and holidays.
There, don't you feel a little better?

YESSSSS Old Dude!!! Thanks for the reminder!!! Every time we get out of hand, please remind us.

FloridaBeagle · May 18, 2016

YESSSSS Old Dude!!! Thanks for the reminder!!! Every time we get out of hand, please remind us.

Yes, I'm looking forward to spending Thanksgiving, Christmas AND New Year's this year with my family. And being able to pick up dinner when my workday is over (not to much too choose from at 7AM!) Won't miss the hospital schedule!