want to make the transition from hospital to school nurse

SaltineQueen · Mar 13, 2016

I would think you should just watch school systems web pages for their job openings? Or maybe the PA DOE would list them. Start subbing in local school systems.

SnowyJ, RN · Mar 13, 2016

I agree! Keep your eye out for school nurse postings. Do you work full time? If not, try subbing as a school nurse to get your foot in the door, as BethG73 said.

I worked in Women and Children's services before my school nurse job. I think any hospital based RN job helps improve assessment skills, and that is a bonus.

There is also a website that posts school jobs but darned if I can remember it!

Farawyn · Mar 13, 2016

I agree! Keep your eye out for school nurse postings. Do you work full time? If not, try subbing as a school nurse to get your foot in the door, as BethG73 said.
I worked in Women and Children's services before my school nurse job. I think any hospital based RN job helps improve assessment skills, and that is a bonus.
There is also a website that posts school jobs but darned if I can remember it!

This is ours, Snowy! Don't know if PA has something similar.

OLAS -- Teacher Application Online

Good luck, OP!

BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN · Mar 13, 2016

Hi, I'm casually looking into school nursing as well. it's something I always wanted to do (and I've been a camp nurse for many years now).

I started by looking on one of the more common job sites (not sure if I can say which one), just typed in school nurse. What came up were some out-of-the-box type of positions. I originally was looking in the major school system, that hires for the whole city. What came up were some private school, charted schools and specialized types of schools. They essentially led me to the individual organizations' websites. So if you know if a specific school (like a private school) you can try by looking on their sites.

On the job site, there were also a lot of agencies that place school nurses. Many are temporary, part time or sub placements, that do not come with benefits. I spoke to one of the recruiters, and she said often a temp job can lead to a permanent placement, but no benefits until then. So it depends on what your needs are. Good luck!

Trixie13, BSN, RN · Mar 13, 2016

In PA you need to have your BSN and school nurse certification to be employed full-time as a school nurse. I know districts in my area are always hiring subs, but I believe you still have to have a BSN. :unsure: Many universities offer certification as a summer program--here is the website that lists them: www.pasnap.org

ETA: Our local school districts post school nurse positions; not sure if that's how it's done all over the state. I have gotten the best info when I called the district office.

BeckyESRN · Mar 14, 2016

I'm in PA. I have my ADN currently and working as an "assistant" school nurse. Our subs are not required to have a BSN. We ALWAYS need good subs and it's a great way to get some experience and a foot in the door, so to speak. There are a few agencies that provide subs as well, but a lot of districts like to have their own subs and use agency as a last resort.

A&Ox6, MSN, RN · Mar 14, 2016

If you are interested in, or open to, work in private schools, check out the national association of independent schools (nais) website. They have a job board for each state.

garcherry725 · Mar 14, 2016

Are the subs required to have their certification? Do you just apply to the school districts or to the individual schools? I currently work nightshift full time but will be going to days soon but I would love to get my foot in the door somewhere