Grade levels. Pros and cons?

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Specializes in School Nurse, professor, OBGYN.

Hi, I'm hired to be an elementary school nurse.

i rather be in middle school or high school.

what are the pros and cons of each level? If you have worked with different grade levels.

thanks!

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Specializes in kids.

I did Middle and High School for 7 years and the past 14 in HS, could not pay me enough to do any other age group!

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Specializes in School nursing.
I did Middle and High School for 7 years and the past 14 in HS, could not pay me enough to do any other age group!

I work with MS and HS kids and I love 'em. I have also worked with the elementary kids and I will take the MS or HS every. single. time.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the younger kids, but I'm weird and really like helping kids deal with the struggles of puberty into young adulthood. The seniors graduate next week and quite a few of them were frequent fliers with me this year. I'm both sad and proud to see them leave!

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I'm in Elementary School and couldn't imagine being with another age group! I love being the mom at school and helping little ones adjust to being away from home and start to become independent.

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Specializes in School Nurse, professor, OBGYN.

I'm just like you! Bring on puberty and social and emotional issues!

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I'm elementary and it is fun, but I get tired of being so sweet & nice all the time. :) I work with all ages during the summer and enjoy the older kids much more. High school would probably be a better fit for me, but I like my staff and after 11 years I don't want to make a big change. I can handle being sweet as long as I get it in return, which I generally do.

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Grades 7-12.

I've never really worked with peds as an RN, so I prefer these kids to the little guys.

Today is Senior Cut Out Day and I miss the big lugs!

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My friend is a high school nurse and I work at an elementary school so we often discuss this! Initially my friend thought she wanted elementary level, but the open position was at the HS and now she is glad she is there. There are pros and cons to each age group and I think it just depends on what you prefer. She has to deal with fights, drama, and issues related to drug and/or alcohol use...but at the same time, a lot of the medications are "self-carry" and they can articulate what is going on much better. When they come into her office a good portion of the time it is "Do you need to go home or just rest?". Whereas in my office a lot of the time the bellyaches come in thinking they are "really really sick" and need to go home, but they rest a few minutes, use the bathroom and then they feel fine.

I sometimes have to help little ones clean up after they pee and/or poop in their pants...but I also get lots of cute drawings and hugs that my friend does not get. There is more of a family feel here at the elementary school and more light-hearted activities, like pajama day and the Santa visits, which I think makes my job more fun! It's also refreshing to watch the innocence and open-mindedness of the really young kids. The 5 year olds don't care if their friends are wearing the "in style" clothes, what race they are, or their religion. In high school, it can be a very different story.

All in all, I wouldn't trade the elementary school for anything! Again I think it is all personal preference - different strokes for different folks! But you never know - you might end up loving the elementary level. If not, at least you have your foot in the door and if there is a position open later on, you can transfer. Good luck to you! :up:

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Specializes in School Nursing, Hospice,Med-Surg.

K-8.

I wouldn't go older because I'd be shorter than all my student at only 5'0"!

I never dreamed I'd love the little bitties so much but they really are my favorite. They say the funniest stuff, they are simple, easy to read (no complex teen angst) and not so manipulative. My older kids (5th and up) have learned how to lie, manipulate, steal, take advantage, etc. I'm too nice for stunts like that.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Elementary. If JH or HS nursing was all that was available, and I've said this before, I'd rather work on one of those crab fishing boats like on Deadliest Catch.

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I work with 10-13 year olds. I like this age range. Just becoming more independent, which is something I strongly encourage in my office (ie: doing accuchecks themselves if they are not a new diabetic, calling home for advil for a headache themselves). I also do a little A&P teaching with the kids when they're in my office. I love to explain WHY the inhaler helps, possible causes of a nosebleed, why that ankle is going to swell up before it gets better.

I don't know think I would enjoy working with elementary aged kids. I have 3 of those at home and I CANNOT STAND the crying over a tiny bump from my own kids-- Not sure how I could handle it with someone else's.

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Specializes in ED, School Nurse.

I work with high schoolers. I don't think the elementary kids would get my sarcasm and snark.

The jr high nurse in my district goes from kindergarteners to junior high kids in the same day. I would go batty if I had to do that. :banghead:

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