Becoming a School Nurse right out of school??

[OTconsideringBSN]

Hi!

I was hoping to get some advice. I am an OT, have worked in the hospitals and in skilled nursing facilities but am looking to make a career change (definitely burnt-out and dissatisfied). I am very interested in becoming a school nurse but was wondering if it is possible/smart to do that right after graduating from nursing school. I live in NJ so I know the requirements are a bsn and certification (including an internship). I was also thinking about taking an EMT course so I could gain some experience that way. I know I am not interested in doing the med/surg or other hospital RN specialties, just school nursing. What do you guys think, is it something that a new grad could/should do? I really appreciate any help or advice!!!

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

Wanted to add: my nursing school also gave me strong experiences in a school setting and a strong Pedi rotation, and I am sure this was another factor that would influence a new nurse's success as a school nurse. Another nurse in my district graduated from my school and started school nursing as a relatively new grad, and she too is very successful. Just another factor for a new grad to consider when looking at school nursing.

[OTconsideringBSN]

You guys are all so helpful!!! Thank you so much! Yeah, I think I would definitely be trying do the EMT course, maybe volunteer as an EMT (depending on time constraints with going back to school and working part-time), and I was also thinking of working as a camp nurse/aide just to gain any additional experience. I would never want to take a position where there wasn't a mentor nurse available by phone call at the very least. It is such a shame that schools don't have more nurses to meet the needs of such huge caseloads, it really hurts the kids and is much more worth it to budget nurses in than some of the extras that schools spend on. I am definitely interested on the idea of the 1 on 1 as well to start off with, is that something the school advertises? Or is that a private company?

[bergren]

"I am definitely interested on the idea of the 1 on 1 as well to start off with, is that something the school advertises? Or is that a private company? "

I have seen it both ways even within the same district.