Seriously considering getting out

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Specializes in Coronary Care, School Nurse.

I am seriously considering leaving my position as a RN in a school. This is my 4th year in the position. I am even taking classes to become a certified School Nurse in Illinois.

I am the only nurse in my district and feel that my neck is on the chopping block way too often. My district has very few health related policies and makes most of their decisions without evidenced-based information. As the only healthcare professional in the district, I really feel alone and vulnerable.

Has any one else had these feelings? How did you come to terms with them? Are you still in school nursing?

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Specializes in LTC.

I don't think I'm qualified to offer u advice but I will say weigh out the pros and cons of your job and go from there. are you getting any support from

school health services? what about contacting the board of ed? I don't know I just pray that u be okay and not worry yourself. you Re a great school nurse or else you wouldn't be so concerned.

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Specializes in school RN, CNA Instructor, M/S.

:loveya: Just wanted to send you a hug!!! Hang in there!!

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Specializes in school nursing.

Your comfort level is of utmost importance. You worked hard for your license and want to protect it!!

Good luck in whatever decision you make.

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Specializes in LDRP/Nursery/Peds/Gyn, school nursing.

After 1 1/2 years in school nursing, I've decided that it just isn't for me. I miss OB nursing; I miss inpatient nursing; I miss my old schedule (nights, weekends, holidays and all-- sure beats M-F full time and missing out on my kids' lives!) I'll wait out the rest of the year, but if something really good comes up, I'll have to consult a lawyer to get out of my contract.

That's the beauty of nursing-- there's such a variety of fields of practice that there's really something for any of us.

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If you can keep your eye open for another position, it would be better to leave this job for another school than to quit outright. The network among administrators is strong, and they will very likely will pick up the phone before hiring you in another district.

Stay with your certification courses. It will make you a stronger candidate and it will provide the information that will allow you to say, " well that is an interesting idea, but unfortunately due to the state regulations, we cannot implement it."

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Specializes in Med Surg, School Nurse.

Anyone who is a school nurse may want to seriously consider mal-practice insurance. I think we are at more risk of being sued than I ever felt as a hospital nurse. I had let my mal practice insurance lapse but I think I will feel better having it back. Since we work alone and nursing policies are often not through enough, we may be more vulnerable than we think. Anyone have any thoughts on this matter?

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I absolutely would not consider going without insurance. I recently spoke to a nurse who acted in the best interests of her students and is being personally sued. The district was not named in the suit. The district will not let her speak to district's attorney, as it may be a "conflict of interest". She is having to pay for her own attorney to get information I could get by dialing an 800 number.

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