Elem or middle for first school?

k1p1ssk, BSN, RN · Jul 30

The elementary kids will need more TLC and gentle handling. The MS kids are likely to have more of an attitude, but you can speak to them on a different level. The MS kids are very focused on their appearance and social standing and are likely to be more manipulative, but a lot of that depends on the school culture, which you won't really know about until you spend some time there.

I personally couldn't deal with MS all day every day. I find that age group to be annoying and I can't stand the self-centered nature of being 13, but one of my coworkers thrives working with those kids and would prefer it over the "whiny" elementary kids.

No matter what you decide, there will be a learning curve - for the populations, for "fitting in" with staff and students, how things run in the day to day...

Mrs.Nurse · Aug 1

I started at a Middle School and was there for 5 years then I left my school district. I then went to a K-8 Charter School for 5.5 years. The elementary kiddos need more tlc and gentle handling. In March, I left the Charter School and went back to my school district working at a Middle School.

I have found I prefer the middle school ages. There is always going to be learning curves no matter where you go. But always chalk things up as a learning experience and truly learn from it. No one is perfect. When I learn something new from my admin or coordinator, I let them know that I was unaware of XYZ and will make sure that I follow the proper procedure in the future. They have been so understanding and appreciate my honesty.

I wish you the best of luck on your new endeavor and the journey of being a School Nurse brings you.

RatherBHiking, BSN, RN · Aug 3

Both age groups have advantages and disadvantages. Think about what age group of kids you enjoy interacting with the most.

Elementary school you're going to have more helicopter parents. The young ones have frequent bathroom accidents, can feel fine then puke all over everything a second later, are more hyper, cry more, and need you to advocate for them when there are signs they aren't being taken care of properly, need more help with everything from cleaning their glasses to tying their shoes, including a lot of help with diabetic care or making sure they don't get too distracted telling you a story and swallow their pill before they drop it. Many times they show up "not feeling well" and you have to play detective trying to figure out what's wrong. Some are too shy to tell you their name. However many times they just need some TLC or reassurance they are OK and they happily go on their way. They like to give hugs, draw you pictures, show off their new shoes, and seem more joyful. They are cuter.😂

Middle school the kids are more independent and have less bathroom accidents. Most of the parents have chilled by now. The kids are older so they can tell you what's wrong with them. You can joke with them easier. They need less help with everything including diabetic care. However they are hitting puberty and emotionally all over the place. Many are more manipulative and lie to try to get out of class and/or go home. Some are super mature and others very immature. They get in more fights and they play harder and get hurt worse. There's A LOT more anxiety attacks. They also experiment with drugs and show up feeling "weird" and scared and lie about it until someone says they saw them taking something. They do stupid things like the Hot Pepper Challenge or jumping off the bleachers getting hurt. They have pregnancy scares. They report fights with parents or even abuse sometimes. It's less easy to appease them and convince them they are able to finish out the school day. They have several class periods with different teachers so more opportunity to see the nurse several times a day if needed.

I've worked both. I've enjoyed aspects about both. I enjoy all the different ages of the kids. They are both exhausting and rewarding in their own ways. I wouldn't say one is less stressful or easier than the other. For me personally I prefer grade school mainly for the reasons I have more patience and feel less stressed with grade school issues compared to middle school issues. We have nurses in our district that have no patience for little kids and much prefer the older kids. t's not usually a "fast paced" type of job just a steady busy. Or sometimes crazy busy one hour and boring the next. Also a lot depends on how big the school is and how things are ran to how busy you'll be. The bigger the school the busier usually but I've worked in big schools where the administration and teachers worked together to keep kids in class and wasn't as busy as a smaller school where I felt taken advantage of so teachers could get a break from their kids by sending them to me.

Hope this helps you decide!! Best wishes!