Would love some advice!

Specialties School

Published

So I have been on Oncology RN for 2 1/2 years, working nights, and have never loved my job. The patients, yes, but not bedside nursing. I have recently had an interview for a school nurse position and was asked back for a 2nd interview and site visit. Yeah! But here's the problem: it will be around $14k less each year with NO room for advancement in pay. There is a salary cap: new nurse makes the same as a 30 year vet, BSN same as a PhD, etc...

I have 2 school aged kids and desperately want to get away from working nights, weekends, and holidays. Is the pay cut REALLY worth it for the better schedule? I know I can supplement with summer work, occasional weekends at the hospital. I could also hold out and hope for a clinic opening with good hours, or a school RN job in a different county with a better pay scale. I would love some feedback, words of wisdom, advice from others who have been there. Just so much to think about!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Yes it's worth it. I made the same decision 15 years ago in accepting an elementary school nurse position and, knowing what I know now, I would jump on the opportunity to do it again. All of my 5 kids have attended my school and I can still see their little faces as they coursed the hallways and classrooms. Plus as they move up to and thru other grade levels, other school district nurses/teachers/employees keep an eye on them for me. They have often complained that I know about stuff they are involved in before they do!! God only loans those little guys to you for a fleeting moment in the grand scheme of things. Grab the opportunity and savor it as much as you can.

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It's worth it! I went from making 60,000 to making 28,000, but the hours cannot be beat! My schedule is super flexible, if my kids have a doctor appt. I'm able to come in a little late or leave a little early. I never have to worry about child care. It's an ideal for my family and if you can afford the pay cut, it's well worth it! Plus, if it's your child's school district, you get all the inside information!

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I agree with OldDude and Becky. If you can afford the pay cut it is totally worth it! I was lucky enough to also be in the same district as my children and now my granddaughter is here at the elementary with me! Priceless!!

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Specializes in School Nurse.

Absolutely worth it!!! You will have the same schedule as your kids, a set work schedule, no holidays/weekends, and summers off. You may find that with having the same schedule as your kids, other expenses would be cut (ie daycare, fast-food ect...) Good luck to you.

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Specializes in IMC, school nursing.

I often say, and truly mean, that if I should win the lottery, I would do this volunteer. It is all about your personality. My wife fills in and enjoys it, but I really do LOVE it.

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NO!!!

For me, it was not worth the pay cut. I love this job. But no. Not even close.

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..
NO!!!

For me, it was not worth the pay cut. I love this job. But no. Not even close.

Annd, there is the added bonus of the "cool kids" table. Obviously, by that Avatar, Far is the poster child for super-COOL!! :)

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Specializes in med/surg, clinic, school.

So worth it for me! I took a pay cut and at the time i switched jobs i was in a management position with the opportunity to keep moving on up. when i had the opportunity to have summers off, snow days, vacation days etc when my son was off from school, money really didn't matter. You adjust to the new salary, i did anyways! i always say anyone w kids should have the privilege of working for the schools. Never a minute of regret for me!

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You might want to ask about/compare benefits too. On paper, I took a $7500/year pay cut but the health insurance at my new job is much lower than at my old job so it ended up being only a $2300/yr pay cut...for the same exact insurance!

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Specializes in School Nurse, Pediatrics, Surgical.

It is so worth it to me. I was not happy doing bedside and I am happy now! WORTH IT! I took a huge pay cut as well but it was definitely worth having the time with my kids and a set schedule. I am now only working part time, 3 days a week and 7.5 hours since I had my 2 year old. I don't plan to go back full time until he is in Kinder. My husband misses the hospital pay more than I do! :nailbiting:

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The pay cut was huge. But when I think about returning to working year round... and not having my pension... and not being home by 3:30... I wouldn't trade it.

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