Can I become a school nurse with only about 4 months of bedside experience?

[JKL33]

Nurse Beth said:

In a school setting, you have a lot of responsibility but function autonomously.

This. Possibly above everything else. I would recommend more experience for this one reason alone if no other reason.

You will be surrounded by people with zero medical/nursing training (who, by the way, somehow fancy themselves as knowing what you should be doing), through an employer who does not employ many such people (other than those in your role). You have to not only know appropriate nursing care without a lot of immediate/in-person resources with whom you can consult, but also have to be able to employ correct nursing legal concepts. As an example, you need to have the kind of experience where you could evaluate the school's policy on how xyz student health issue will be handled and know whether your bases are covered or it is the craziest thing anyone ever put on paper, nursing-wise. Or maybe they have almost nothing on paper about an issue and it will be up to you to create a policy.  And of course that role needs to stay in line with the legalities of the educational world too.

When I occasionally browse the school nursing forum here I never fail to have the thought that "man, this area of nursing is not for the faint of heart." Big kudos to them. I think those of us who have spent most of our time in hospitals have so much angst over all that goes on there (in hospitals) that we tend to take for granted that at least we're getting some direction from somewhere. The hospital's legal team and/or policies and procedures that have been vetted by persons and committees with relevant knowledge, etc. A large school district probably has this covered but I'm guessing that beyond that you're way more likely to be in "yoyo" territory.

Get your experience, spend your free time learning about the area you're interested in. 👍🏽

 

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

While it is technically possible to become a school nurse with only four months of bedside experience, this is strongly discouraged. Most school nurse positions require significantly more clinical experience, and many employers would prefer candidates with a broader range of nursing skills gained through extensive bedside experience. 

As a new grad, you learn from working on a team and collaborating with coworkers. In a school setting, you have a lot of responsibility but function autonomously.

Key points to consider:

Requirements

Most states require a nursing license and often a certification from the National Board of Certification for School Nurses (NBCSN) to become a school nurse. This certification typically requires 1,000 hours or more of clinical experience. 

Skillset needed

School nursing involves managing a diverse range of health issues in children, from minor injuries to chronic conditions, which requires a strong understanding of pediatric care and the ability to identify and handle emergencies effectively. 

With minimal bedside experience, you might struggle with complex medical situations, navigating parent concerns, and managing student emergencies. 

What you can do:

• Gain more experience
• Consider building your clinical skills and knowledge base as a nurse in a pediatric setting, clinic, or emergency room. 
• Focus on building communication, critical thinking, and patient care skills that you can apply to a school setting, even with limited experience. 
• Seek additional training. Explore continuing education courses or workshops related to school nursing to demonstrate your commitment to the role. 

Very best wishes,

Nurse Beth

 

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

k1p1ssk said:

 

So, in addition to perhaps some more working experience, I would recommend you reach out to your state's chapter of the National Association of School Nurses (nasn.org) to find out what is required for your state. That website also has a lot of good resources for you to peruse! And come lurk on the School Nurse sub - we're pretty active on there and you may get an idea of the common situations that we face and need advice on!

Excellent advice, thank you!

[k1p1ssk, BSN, RN]

I very much appreciate the answers above. I've been a school nurse for nearly 7 years now, but it is something I also began to pursue while I was still a new grad, but thankfully, a mentor suggested gaining at least a year of pediatric experience. She wasn't specific, but I think working in a pediatrician's office, inpatient pedi, Pedi ER, or home health would be the most beneficial.

In my state, the requirements for being a school nurse are a little different than others. In addition to an RN license, we are required to obtain a "professional" license through our state dept. of education. This requires 3 years of relevant school nursing experience and either a masters in nursing OR holding your NCSN.  Larger school districts/schools most often require this license before hire, however I was hired into a smaller district with the stipulation that I gain "professional status" within 3 years.

So, in addition to perhaps some more working experience, I would recommend you reach out to your state's chapter of the National Association of School Nurses (nasn.org) to find out what is required for your state. That website also has a lot of good resources for you to peruse! And come lurk on the School Nurse sub - we're pretty active on there and you may get an idea of the common situations that we face and need advice on!

[beachynurse, ASN, BSN]

I have been a school nurse for 21 years, and I do not recommend anyone with less than a year of med surg, or ICU experience. In those areas you will learn how to improve and hone your critical thinking skills, develop organizational and assessment skills. As a school nurse, you are on your own. If there is an emergency you have to be able to make decisions in seconds if the situations warrant it. There is no one to ask for reassurance, support, or run ideas by. You must be able to work independently, and be able to navigate between the world of Education and the world of Nursing.. It's not always easy to do that as we have different mind sets. You have to learn when to stand your ground, give in, or meet in the middle. Wishing you luck!