Going to take that leap

[LovegelatoRN]

Hello all,

I have been working in bedside nursing for over 5 years, and I am more than ready for a change. I dread going to work due to the typical excessive workload and lack of support. However, there are some decent days, and I work with some great team players at times. But, the culture is....those who have an easy assignment sit at the nurse's station while those with heavy assignments run around as an army of one.

I always help a coworker when I have time, and I don't mind working hard, I'm positive even on the worst days, and go above and beyond for my patients. But, running around for 13 hours with one lunch break and no time to adequately hydrate?

It's abusive to the body, I have always wanted to be a school nurse, there is the perfect position available close to my home, so I'm going to take the leap and apply. Or at least it is posted. There is no way to know if it has been filled already....

I realize competition may be stiff, but I'm going to get my references ready and email my resume and cover letter tonight after I update it. I'm also going to start taking school nurse courses and look at AHEC offerings that are applicable..so I can make myself more competitive for any future postings if I don't get to the interview phase this time. (And I will do those things anyway once working).

I am looking forward to more reasonable working hours, better hours for family life, and being invested in the kids' health at whichever school I eventually land, and advocating for them in dicey parent situations.

I have worked ICU and med surg....thank you for "listening!". I thought about taking the PALS course..but is this necessary and/or going to make me competitive considering it's not an acute position?

[moreoreo]

Good luck!! I was blessed to get a school nurse job with just 2 years of hospital experience, no peds experience, and while I struggled through my first 1/2 year, and am making less money, I am overall so much happier. My reasons for leaving the bedside were similar to yours, and while I miss acute care, the "big" difference I could make in one day, my elderly patients in particular, and all the technical skills the hospital required, I do feel that bedside nursing is going to get worse before it gets better while school nursing is a growing role that really supports work-life balance in a way that other types of nursing cannot.

I think you have a great attitude and that your experience will serve you well. I wish you luck on your job search!!

[LovegelatoRN]

Where I am school nurses make $28,000 a year. So...not much, but we are a dual income family. If I'm ever the sole provider for some reason (not expecting to be)...I will still not return to the hospital and just supplement income with private tutoring or something else to make a livable wage. Or just move elsewhere where school nurses are paid on a teacher's scale.

[AdobeRN]

Becoming a school nurse was a great decision for me - I really enjoy my job, I enjoy working with alot of people on my campus, I am in Texas and I think I make decent money for what I do. I will admit I miss bedside nursing - miss learning new things, miss having different patients everyday. I do have days where I am bored out of mind here at school and if I see the same FF again for the 5th time that day I think I will scream but I will take that over any day in the hospital. I absolutely LOVE my time off...for me I think that is the best part of my job.

Good Luck & Welcome to our Tribe!

[WineRN]

Welcome and Good Luck with the job hunt!

If you have the chance I would but down to part time or PRN at your current position and see if you can sub for a bit in your local districts. This will allow you to get your foot in the door and see if you do really like it. School nursing isn't for everyone, but I do hope it is for you!

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

Where I am school nurses make $28,000 a year.

OUCH. Sorry.

[scuba nurse, BSN, MSN, RN]

Welcome and good luck! This group is AWESOME! You will learn a lot so ask away!!

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

Thank you, Nutmegge!! I will do that for sure!

You are welome!!! BTW I love gelato too!!!

[40thEditionRN]

May I humbly suggest looking into college/university health centers as well? Different population, different needs, but fun! I left bedside for many reasons, including a sky high blood pressure, and I stumbled upon my current job. It has been a godsend for two years. I'm getting ready for a nice Thanksgiving break, and then I'm off from 12/15 - 1/2, with pay.

[blixkanaan, MSN, APRN]

Let us know how it goes. My sister is a nurse (as am I) and she is in a similar predicament. I thought about recommending this to her (that is to apply for school nursing) especially because my mom is a public school teacher, so she would have the connection. Good luck!