Confidence (Getting Feisty!)

Published May 10, 2017

284 Posts

Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

I turned in my notice two weeks ago that I will not be returning to work as a school nurse in the fall. I have been presented with a great opportunity to return to mental health nursing, my absolute favorite field, and have decided to seize the chance to go back to psych.

I have noticed a change in my demeanor since I turned my notice in....mainly, that I have more confidence, and I am not afraid to stand up to the teachers. I like the new me! It's normally not in my nature to be feisty; I like to be agreeable and keep the peace. However, since I know that I will not be back, I find myself making statements such as "I did a thorough head check and this child does not have head lice, just dandruff. I realize the teacher thought it was head lice and was terrified, but I am an RN, I know how to differentiate between head lice and dandruff, and I am sending her back to class. Have a good day." And this "A poison ivy rash is not likely to spread from one child to another in the classroom. I am not sending this student home. Have a good day."

And this! "It is possible for a child to have a runny nose and not be contagious. This is allergy season and the pollen count is extremely high today. It's not appropriate for me to send this child home."

Since I won't be back in the fall, I really don't care what the teachers think of me! I am the nurse, and I "call the shots," so to speak! I'm going to enjoy this bold new me, right up until I walk out the door for the last time!