Are you a Substitute Nurse?

Keeperofbandages, LPN · Feb 3, 2021

I started out as a sub, then went to long-term sub at a particular school. I ended up getting the position full time when it opened up. I was fresh out of nursing school and really enjoyed my school health clinical rotation. Being a sub first helped me to find my niche. I am now working in a K-8 school and loving it.

scuba nurse, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 3, 2021

I started as a sub when my kids were little, and I got a full time job in elementary school (K-6) which I love. so subbing is good so you can see which age group you like the best. Now that all my kids are in high school and older, I really love the young ones!

k1p1ssk, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2021

I caught the school nursing bug by subbing right out of nursing school. It was the only job I could get as I didn't have my BSN and no prior experience, but I'm glad it worked out that way! I don't think I would have ever thought about it becoming a full time gig without the subbing. It paid dividends for me!

I liked that I got to choose my schedule, work in different environments, often 1:1 with a severely disabled student, who often had vents, trachs, diabetes, etc. I LOVED the field trips. It was like going on field trips in school, but virtually no responsibilities. I eventually went per-diem in a nursing home in addition to the subbing, and then eventually had to leave to take on a full time gig with benefits... but because I subbed, I realized how cool school nursing could be and really tailored my job choices very carefully to realize my goal!

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2021

35 minutes ago, k1p1ssk said:

I caught the school nursing bug by subbing right out of nursing school. It was the only job I could get as I didn't have my BSN and no prior experience, but I'm glad it worked out that way! I don't think I would have ever thought about it becoming a full time gig without the subbing. It paid dividends for me!

Pretty much the same thing for me @k1p1ssk - though I worked in high education administration prior to changing careers to nursing. So I did have experience working in education to a degree.

I subbed for a few months before landing my full time gig. I worked with all ages and it helped me determine I actually prefer the older kids. And 8 years later I'm still super happy working with MS and HS kids.