Choosing between prek-8 or HS?

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Specializes in Peds, Neuro, Orthopedics.

Hi everyone,

I am an early hire in my district, and one of the perks is that I get to choose my setting. I'm trying to choose between a prek-8 job (covering 2 schools) and a HS job (covering only one high school). I've worked in both settings in different capacities and liked both so I'm having a hard time choosing. What do you think are the pros and cons of each?

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

PK thru 8 at 2 locations is a stretch. Even though I'm totally elementary, if I had to choose between these two options I'd go with high school at one location. Only my opinion

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I've only worked in HS, so I can speak to that. I work gr 7-12.

Cons: Lots of Psych. Cutting, suicidal ideation, self harm, eating disorders, depression, drug and alcohol abuse/addiction. Fakers, lots of fakers! "I have my period!" Sports clearances and concussion protocol.

Pros: Lots of Psych. See above- I can say I have made a difference in some kids' lives. Teaching- kids want to know why/how/what caused their sickness. Kids can self medicate. Awesome conversations. Blood drives. Kids helping each other. No poopy pants, if they are puking they usually don't miss the bowl or the garbage. Very few lice outbreaks.

I would never work with the littles. I'll leave that to OldDude.

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Specializes in School nursing.
I've only worked in HS, so I can speak to that. I work gr 7-12.

Cons: Lots of Psych. Cutting, suicidal ideation, self harm, eating disorders, depression, drug and alcohol abuse/addiction. Fakers, lots of fakers! "I have my period!" Sports clearances and concussion protocol.

Pros: Lots of Psych. See above- I can say I have made a difference in some kids' lives. Teaching- kids want to know why/how/what caused their sickness. Kids can self medicate. Awesome conversations. Blood drives. Kids helping each other. No poopy pants, if they are puking they usually don't miss the bowl or the garbage. Very few lice outbreaks.

I would never work with the littles. I'll leave that to OldDude.

I'm with Far.

Plus you are talking HS, no MS. While I love, love my MS kiddos, there is a lot of growing up between 11-14 that can make being a HS nurse a whole different ballpark vs a MS nurse. I use some of the same tactics, but also a lot of different ones on my MS kiddos vs my HS kiddos.

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Specializes in Med-surg, school nursing..

I'm with Old Dude, I prefer the younger kiddos over high school. But I would much rather be at one location than two. Given those two options I would probably go with High School.

Do what is best for you.

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I agree with my Elementary friends. I prefer the little ones but would pick 1 location over 2 every time. Good luck!

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I'm a "tough love" type which doesn't always sit well with the little ones. The little ones are way too needy for me. At the JH and HS levels you can tell a student to go ahead and call home (if they haven't already), with the younger ones, you have to make all of the phone calls. also, being at one school you would get to know the kids better and develop more of a rapport than going between 2 different schools. I guess I just relate better with the older ones. JMO.

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I'm a "tough love" type which doesn't always sit well with the little ones. The little ones are way too needy for me. At the JH and HS levels you can tell a student to go ahead and call home (if they haven't already), with the younger ones, you have to make all of the phone calls. also, being at one school you would get to know the kids better and develop more of a rapport than going between 2 different schools. I guess I just relate better with the older ones. JMO.

The MS/HS are pretty needy, too. Moreso the MS, both boys and girls.

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Specializes in L&D.

Howdy!

I am at 2 schools this year, and it's been difficult. I've had to switch days to accommodate the health assistant's absences at both schools. One day, both of my health assistants were gone. I have back-up staff trained, but I felt badly that one of my health offices was not covered. In order to keep things easier, I'd recommend one school with the same students day in and day out. It's been difficult to have two schools. I wouldn't say it's impossible, but it's certainly not as easy. I am not into high school kids, so I wouldn't fare well in a high school. I love my elementary kiddos! (: I am at a 3-8 right now, and it's less enjoyable for me. Which population would you work better with? If I am thinking of the Pk-8 schools, they are really close together, so the commute wouldn't be difficult. You get to know siblings of the students, upper and lower schools work that way. I wouldn't think it would be too challenging, but that is spanning a ton of different age groups, so you practically learn all the rules and regulations of health services! (: When it comes down to it, you have to love the population you are working with. For me, that's the younger kids.

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Specializes in Peds, School Nurse, clinical instructor.

I love working with my high schoolers. There is drama but they usually are pretty great. Also I would think one school would be much easier!

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Specializes in family practice and school nursing.

I like the little ones the best,, they are cute and funny. Middle schoolers are my least favorite, too much attitude. I do like the older kids, I can joke with them and they are usually more mature and open to advise, etc. One school would be much better than two. So in your case I would go with the high school.

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Specializes in IMC, school nursing.

K-8, love the littles for the smile factor, the middle schoolers for teaching.

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