Going from Adult ICU to School Nurse

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The timing is awful, but I have been hoping for an opening at our parish school, and today the nurse announced that she'll be retiring. I was hoping that she'd wait till the end of the year, for family reasons. I have an excellent relationship with the principal and plan to interview. But I don't know a lick about school nursing. I have been an adult ICU nurse since 2004. The school is PreK3 up to 8th grade. It's a smallish private school. I know the pay will be low, but being close to my kids is more important. Can anyone tell me where to go for more information to prepare for interview? Should I try to get PALS from my current employer? Has anyone else made such a big crazy transition?

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Specializes in ED, School Nurse.

Welcome! And good luck with your interview.

A PALS class would be a waste of time for a school nurse position. You don't have access to any of the drugs used in PALS (I used to instruct PALS back in my hospital days and I thought that would be a big selling point during my interview. They were impressed, but I have never utilized one thing from PALS as a school nurse.) CPR and revisiting basic first aid procedures would be more appropriate. Review the laws in your state/school district or school policy on medication administration. Review immunization requirements for your school/state.

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..

Good luck with your interview. Being close to your kiddo and having basically the same schedule...nothing like it! I have been blessed to be able to be a school nurse for most all of my kids school careers. My baby graduated last year. My grandbaby started Preschool this year, so, the blessing of a school nurse schedule continues!! Let us know when your interview is, so we can be thinking extra happy thoughts for you!!

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Don't forget to highlight your awesome assessment skills and ability to work independently, especially while under pressure!

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Thanks for the tips and warm welcome. My interview is Tuesday morning. I live in Texas, but I know that there's diocesan rules about immunizations that are stricter than public school. I will search this, and probably seek out a mentor at a neighboring school. Like I said, the timing is bad. I have a baby on the way, so I wouldn't be able to start till after winter break. But, this opportunity is so great in the long run.

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