I'm sorry if I'm coming off that I hate School Nursing, when that's the opposite. I'm only a CMA, not an nurse and I'm honestly trying my best with these children and parents. I'm doing well lately, but some of these parents are just too much sometimes. I'm stuck between this spot where I'm not a nurse and I can't tell them what I think without sounding like I'm diagnosing, and trying to have this position where I can tell them what to do to a point, but once they learn I'm not a real nurse, I feel they take advantage of this and try to treat me like I'm nothing. I'm not nothing and I have the education to help their children, but it's hard when I don't have anyone listening to me, especially when it comes to their children.
So I'm sorry if my post are sounding bitter or cynical, but I'm just trying to find somewhere to vent to get some support and advice to things that I'm not sure what to do. I wasn't trained in this and all I was told when I got hired was do this on the computer and that's it, nothing about what to do if the child can't breathe, or what to do if you get an angry parent. So please do not hate me for what I write, I write the way it happened and I see it and I want to see what you guys write and I take that as way to learn what to do in the future.
Specializes in Cardiology, School Nursing, General.
School nursing is tough, despite the great hours and schedule. As the school nurse, we deal with rude and/or angry parents, teachers who expect us to send a kid home because he sneezed 3 times or has a runny nose, and kids with multiple somatic complaints that may be real or imagined! Flu season is upon us, and I have sent home 28 children in the last 3 school days. The pay is low. I miss being a mental health nurse and having one-on-one time with my psych patients. I miss earning a decent salary. I don't know if I'll be returning in the fall, or if I will seek out a position as a mental health nurse. Yes, I will have to work some weekends and holidays, but I found that more fulfilling than school nursing. We shall see! Keep your chin up, OP!
I shall. To be honest, I'm getting paid more than I did in my last job, so I'm actually very happy about that. xD
But I know you can do it too! Keep your chin up too!
Specializes in Sub-Acute, School Nursing, Dialysis.
I'm right here learning beside you, even if I have RN behind my name instead of CMA. It makes no difference - we learn by doing, asking, educating ourselves all of the time. None of us were born into this with 40 years experience - I wish I was, trust me! It would make every day much easier. Keep advocating for the children. They are the reason we are here!
Same here!!!! I'm still learning every single day and I was just telling my husband yesterday that this message board is amazing!!! Last year was my first year as a school nurse and I was too shy to post on this board but I read it every single work day till school got out in June. I have learned a lot from how to talk with parents, documenting, emergency scenarios. So do not ever feel bad about posting here. And I think that is wonderful that you are going to head back to school, I wish you the best!!
Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..
Hang in there. Glad you are here with us. You sound very sincere and it is evident that you are trying to do what is best for the kids. At the end of the day, that is all any of us can do! Deeeeep breaths....all together now........
Amethya
1,821 Posts
But I know you can do it too! Keep your chin up too!