Clinic RN to school nurse?

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Hello!

I've been a nurse for more than 6 years; mainly in GI and outpatient surgery. I currently work in a GI clinic. I'm interviewing for a school nurse position this week, which I'm simultaneously excited about and fearing. 

I've  never worked in peds. I love kids and have always wanted to work in peds, but life (and pay) took me in a different direction. I'm now at a place where I can explore what I really want to do. Throughout my years in GI, I've worked with countless teens, but that's it. No little ones. 

My questions:

Has anyone gone from working mostly with adults to school nursing? May I have you share your experience? What are the pros and cons? What would you have done differently?

How steep is the learning curve? 

Thank you all!

 

 

 

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..

What an exciting opportunity! I made that transition from adult care in different settings to School Nursing many years ago. I love it and have never ever looked back.

It is a totally different mind set. Depending on the size of the school- you may be the only health care person in the building. This makes our assessment skills/thinking on the spot and ability to do this very critical.

And this is huge- my many years of experience has taught me that no other position in the school system thinks like our "nurse brains" do. 

Establish good rapport and also set boundaries for your office. Protect your license. Be firm, fair and consistent.

Get familiar with your State School Nurse Consultant and look at the School Health Website. Learn everything you can about Immunization rules and regs. If you have a State Immunization Data base. Utilize it. It is the biggest help to my job and I can't imagine doing my job without it.

The learning curve can be pretty steep but the trade offs of a great and dependable schedule, No weekends/holidays. S.N.O.W. D.A.Y.S.  -- YES!!

Good luck and update us!

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Thank you for the information and encouragement! I'm looking forward to gaining more insight into the responsibilities of the position. It is a float position, so I won't have a home base, so to speak. I would be covering other nurses when they're out or lending a helping hand to the ones with the highest need. I have a ton of questions for the interviewers. I will definitely report back. Thank you again for your response!

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..

Please don't hesitate to get back to us!

 

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Specializes in pediatrics, school nursing.
Florida mom said:

Thank you for the information and encouragement! I'm looking forward to gaining more insight into the responsibilities of the position. It is a float position, so I won't have a home base, so to speak. I would be covering other nurses when they're out or lending a helping hand to the ones with the highest need. I have a ton of questions for the interviewers. I will definitely report back. Thank you again for your response!

I think that is a great way to get your feet wet! You will learn a lot of the day to day stuff this way, and be able to hone your assessment skills. I'd ask during the interview if you can do a shadow day as well - this will show initiative and that you are interested in learning about the role before solidly committing. 

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