Kind of a silly question. But I am curious if an advance practice nurse can be a school nurse. I know they can't work on the floor as a nurse anymore once they have passed their exams. I was wondering if it was the same for a school nurse. Looking to take a step back and spend more time with my kids. Any help would be appreciated :)
AmyRN303, BSN, RN 732 Posts Nov 20, 2014 I'd think so.Incidentally, I did a rotation in a large public high school which also serves as a family clinic for physicals, vaccinations, etc. We had an APRN on staff full time. She mentioned the pay wasn't phenomenal, but she picked up PRN shifts at the hospital to make up for the flexibility of her full time job at the school. I'd imagine it would be the same elsewhere.
LolaRios 1 Post Nov 20, 2014 It may be a state difference or hospital policy but I work with a staff nurse in the ED who used to work as a Neuro Trauma NP. She is still an NP but not in our hospital. She just missed bedside so much that she came back to it. She plans on going back to work as an NP when she's older (she's only 40).
roser13, ASN, RN 6,504 Posts Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC. Has 17 years experience. Nov 20, 2014 Kind of a silly question. But I am curious if an advance practice nurse can be a school nurse. I know they can't work on the floor as a nurse anymore once they have passed their exams. I was wondering if it was the same for a school nurse. Looking to take a step back and spend more time with my kids. Any help would be appreciated :)Why is that? I've never known that an AP nurse could not work on a floor.
jhopkins4774 2 Posts Nov 20, 2014 Why is that? I've never known that an AP nurse could not work on a floor.Maybe it is just that way where I live. You have to work at your highest level of education.
KelRN215, BSN, RN 1 Article; 7,349 Posts Specializes in Pedi. Has 16 years experience. Nov 20, 2014 Maybe it is just that way where I live. You have to work at your highest level of education.That's facility/policy specific depending on the employer.
Whispera, MSN, RN 3,458 Posts Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education. Nov 20, 2014 I worked as a staff nurse even though I'm advance practice trained and certified. I just couldn't do those things my advanced training said I could do, that weren't in the role of the generic RN.
mmc51264, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN 3,162 Posts Specializes in orthopedic; Informatics, diabetes. Has 11 years experience. Nov 20, 2014 We have a nurse that has passed her boards and is trying to find the right job. She is still working as a staff floor nurse.
PacoUSA, BSN, RN 3,445 Posts Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry. Has 11 years experience. Nov 23, 2014 I currently work with a FNP on my unit working as a staff RN. Can be done. Not sure why tho, never asked her.
4boysmama 273 Posts Specializes in Hospice + Palliative. Has 4 years experience. Nov 24, 2014 In some states (PA is one) you must be a certified school nurse.Not necessarily - I'm currently working part time as a school nurse at a private elementary school in PA, and I am not certified. Ironically, in answer to the OP's question though, I am job sharing this position with a pediatric NP! (so yes, N can be a school nurse, at least in PA) However, it's important to keep in mind that she is not earning "NP" salary; she's making the same salary as I am. So, might not be the best decision financially.
pbuttercups 34 Posts Specializes in School Nursing. Nov 12, 2018 Yes, in Ohio you must be certified as well, along with at least a BSN.
