Considering a school nurse position

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Feb 6

It might be good for you to start as a sub so you really get a feel for the flow of a health office. There is so much to do on any given day and so many things that we deal with on a regular basis.

Sapphirestarr · Feb 8

Can you explain what a sub position would be then because I genuinely thought a sub is like per diem in the hospital, recommended for the experienced nurse that needs minimal orientation... I'm also not sure how I'd be able to do that when if I work full-time... and I'm typically only off on holidays when the schools are closed

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Feb 8

Sapphirestarr said:

Can you explain what a sub position would be then because I genuinely thought a sub is like per diem in the hospital, recommended for the experienced nurse that needs minimal orientation... I'm also not sure how I'd be able to do that when if I work full-time... and I'm typically only off on holidays when the schools are closed

A sub would be there for the day or days the regular nurse is out. (We do a paid orientation in our district). I thought you were looking for full time, and the suggestion was to try subbing to get a feel for what the role is. It is much more complex than even many seasoned nurses think it, and not for everyone. Maybe reach out to the nurses in your local district to talk to one of them? Good Luck!

Emergent, RN · Feb 9

I'm doing sub nursing. I get great support from the nurse in charge, and school staff. This school district sends the sub to the pre-K and kindergarten campuses no matter which campus has a nurse out. That way the sub gets familiar with the school.

They made up a flow sheet with the general schedule of the day. There's also usually a health aide. It can get busy, mostly head bumps, scraped knees, imaginary tummy aches, etc. The kiddos are adorable.

Sapphirestarr · Feb 11

Emergent said:

I'm doing sub nursing. I get great support from the nurse in charge, and school staff. This school district sends the sub to the pre-K and kindergarten campuses no matter which campus has a nurse out. That way the sub gets familiar with the school.

They made up a flow sheet with the general schedule of the day. There's also usually a health aide. It can get busy, mostly head bumps, scraped knees, imaginary tummy aches, etc. The kiddos are adorable.

So as a sub do you get notice of when to come in? I would love to get a feel for things first hand, but I can't very well take off from my job to go do another job....

sergel02, BSN · Feb 11

Sapphirestarr said:

So as a sub do you get notice of when to come in? I would love to get a feel for things first hand, but I can't very well take off from my job to go do another job....

Some of the districts near me use agency staff as sub nurses who are basically per diem. It lets both the nurse try out how they like it and the districts as well. The role of the sub nurse tends to be a bit lighter (they're not doing IEPs and large screenings unless they're a long term sub) but it gives you a good taste. I started off that way myself actually.

Emergent, RN · Feb 12

Sapphirestarr said:

So as a sub do you get notice of when to come in? I would love to get a feel for things first hand, but I can't very well take off from my job to go do another job....

So far, I have been getting weeks of notice to cover PTO time off requests. I did get contacted the day before on a shift for the second school for a sick call, and texted one morning when one of the nurses had to take her child in for an urgent medical need.

The thing about working as a substitute is that, you don't have any commitment to work particular shifts. They will know you have a second job, and you won't be their only option hopefully. It's the same as working PRN somewhere. Obviously you want to work some shifts for them, they aren't going to call you if you always say no. But they will be going into this arrangement with their eye open.