Typical Day?

[-Midget-]

I know, most nurses never have a "typical day," but if you could kind of summarize your job for a curious student, I would really appreciate it! Other than dealing with ill students, what are your duties? How do you as the school nurse, fit in with the rest of the staff? Or don't you have much to do with teachers, etc? I've read some about schools that had a large special ed program, or children with extensive medical conditions, the nurse is a valueable asset, as part of a multi-disciplinary team, to help plan for the needs of the students? Can someone shed some light on that? Thank you! :)

[guest83140]

Hello Midget, this is my first year as a school nurse and I've been a nurse for about 24 years. My duties are mainly dealing with the ill students but I know a couple of nurse assistants that also drive a bus for extra money. Some may watch the office and the office for the nurse during lunch. My nursing duties usually take up enough of my time for a typical day which includes making ice bags first thing in the morning, keeping my room tidy, restocking my supplies, emailing teachers regarding a student in the clinic or if a parent calls with new information. Also supplying teachers with first aid baggies, giving medications to about 12 students daily at my Junior High of 800+ kids. Faxing immunizations or receiving faxes, screening students for vision, hearing, scoliosis and health assess on new students as they come in within one month of enrollment. Keeping immunizations up to date by running off lists and sending out letters to parents. Sending out referrals for vision, hearing and scoliosis problems. Answering phone calls, assisting bathroom kids to use urinal 2-3/day. Communicating with teachers, office and principal regarding student status as needed. Teaching diabetic and cpr classes to small group of staff 1-2 year. Attending paid seminars 3-4 year. Giving staff advice and teach them to use B/P equip. Spearhead immunization clinics and health events. I fit in as a very needed member of the staff and looked to as a medical resource and professional piece of the school. I mix in with teachers on a daily basis at about 20%(10% direct and 10% indirect) of my day, 60% students, 20% computer/paper. Well, I see Spec Ed very little at my school. I know about them and they have extensive programs for them but I see very little of them throughout my day. I may have to go there if a kid has a seizure and a special ed helper may bring a student to check the temp if ill and usually keep the student until parent arrives. They come to ask specific questions or ask for guidance for a plan. I haven't done much with them but I did visit the room and meet the teachers and students. Hope that helped. Like I said, this is my first year with the school.

[-Midget-]

It certainly did help, anything does! :) Thank you for the answer! What made you switch to school nursing? What was your background prior to that?

[guest83140]

I switched because I wanted to be on the same schedule as my 2 sons, 10 and 12 and my husband who is a school teacher. I was also tired of working in the hospital because of the heavy stress, weekends and holidays required. I am 48 this month and my body was getting worn out lifting and dealing with high trauma situations with short-handed staff and being in charge. I've worked mostly med-surg(13 yrs) orthopedics (10 yrs) and a ob gyn clinic (1Yr) for a short time.

[-Midget-]

That's interesting that you seem to have no pediatric experience, per se. Everyone I talked to around here made it seem like a must. Of course, I didn't ask about the people who had a lot of varied clinical experience in general...so maybe that would change it. :)