A Bad Day in School Nursing......

[Artistyc1]

Sometimes I think of myself as being very lucky in my profession. I have been an RN for almost 33 years, and was in the process of burning out completely. I began subbing as a school nurse for an Upstate NY district, and really came to enjoy it. I was then able to get a permanant job within the district, and now, 4 years later, realize how lucky I was to get it.

At least for me- "A bad day at my office beats the best day I have ever had at the hospital". This is even when my office is full of frequent flyers, and the staff can't figure out "why that child is still here-is she nuts?" when I don't sent a child home immediately after they vomit after swinging on the tire swing on our playground after lunch, LOL!

Even at the worst times, I keep telling myself, "I could be on the night shift right now, moon is full, all the labor beds are full, and I can't get hold of the clinic on call doctor, and we are down 2 staffpeople".

I have had the opportunity to get to know every kid in the building and often their families, for better or worse! I have found that so many little kids just need a friend, sometimes, when they think that no one will ever listen to them.

There are sad times, too, like when you realize that a childs life is more horrific than you had even imagined, and that calling CPS is your only, and best option.

I really am still, after 4 years, amazed that after all these years, I was fortunate enough to get such a rewarding job. It is not that I did not enjoy my other jobs in the hospital over the years, but with staffing and budgetary concerns, things are even more difficult for hospitals than ever before.

I really can say that I love my job!