Change of Heart

Specialties School

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Hi everyone. I'm writing this out of extreme frustration and pure burn out. I am a critical care float pool nurse. I've only been a nurse for a little over a year, but I am already burnt out from getting dumped on by the ICU and ER. I have learned so much, and I'm very grateful for the opportunities I've been given, but I am in desperate need of a change. In total, I've worked in emergency services as an EMT and ER tech for 6 years, and a CC RN for 1 year. I was essentially burnt our before I even became an RN.

Right now I'm working on my BSN and taking a community health class. I am in love with the goal of keeping people out of acute care, and in particular, I love working with kids when I'm in the ER. I think school nursing may be my dream job.

Can you experienced nurses lend me some advice? Where do I start and what education will I need? What is a typical day like and what are the responsibilities? What do you do during the summer to support your income? I'm in Oregon.

Specializes in Med-surg, school nursing..
I just wanted to throw in an update: I was just offered a school nurse position in my area! I am so excited. It's a big cut in pay, but I think it will be so worth it. It looks like I'll be in a somewhat rural area outside of medium sized city. I don't think the assignment has health aids, but it's only 2 schools. Is this going to make the job much harder? Thanks for all your great advice. I'm excited to learn this new area of nursing :)

None of our schools in my district have health aides.

I've had to go between schools before, I did today actually) and there are pros and cons. Pros:The day goes by super fast. Cons:The schools like to "hoard" kids until you get there then want you to see the masses when you really don't have time. You need to put your foot down immediately and let them know that unless it is an injury, they can handle fevers, pukes, and kids that just don't feel good. Another con is I sometimes feel discombobulated once I get back to "my" school and have to regroup.

And congratulations!!!

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