High school nurses

iggywench, BSN, RN · Apr 5, 2017

I switched to high school (a 9th grade campus) in December, after teaching intermediate school (5th and 6th grade) for 7 years, then nursing in the same grade level for 3.5 years. I can honestly say that I would never go back! I have about 1000 kids, and see about 40 students per day. We have a few with ADHD meds, two diabetics, and Life Skills with one on tube feedings, but his teacher manages that.

I mainly see stomachaches/headaches, because these kids don't eat breakfast, and I do see quite a few with emotional distress. For the most part, the students accept whatever comfort measures we offer and go back to class. I don't miss the PE or recess injuries, or kids bumping heads all the time. I do have a full-time assistant at this school, where I didn't at my old school, and feel so much more respected by the teachers and administrators.

So, to answer your question, the grade level is a much better fit for me, but the school climate also has a lot to do with my happiness.

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · Apr 5, 2017

I handle grades 7-12.

If you break down my visits, 55% of them are from either a 7th or 9th grader, both transition grades in my school. (Visit load is 30-50 a day, 500 students total overall).

Generally, the HS teachers are better at sending for valid concerns vs the MS teachers for me. And HS students are easier to reason with as well.

OldDude · Apr 5, 2017

High School? :wtf:

cooties_are_real · Apr 5, 2017

I love my high school kids. I have in between 700-800 students and see 25-30 students a day. I have 2 medication kiddos and 2 diabetics. In the past, I have seen up to 60 in a day. I like the fact most of the time they can tell you what they need or want.

I do work at our elementary campus from time to time and enjoy it also. Exploring moving to that campus next year. I love that age group, too. They can be fun. They can see about 75-100 kids a day. They have about 1500 students.

Eleven011 · Apr 5, 2017

I work in a PreK - 12 school so I have all ages. I greatly prefer the younger ones to high school. My older kids here don't want ice packs or crackers or any of that jazz. They know what they want when they walk in my door ( they've been texting mom the last hour anyway ) and nothing I can say will change that. Not all mind you, some are great and honestly are looking for a way to stay in school, but for the most part, they just come to me because if they want to go home sick, they have to go through me.

ohiobobcat · Apr 5, 2017

I work high school grades 9-12, about 650 students. I see between 20-40 kids a day, mostly in the 25-30 range. I like high school kids because they get my sarcasm. Most are easy to reason with, and they respect me and my decisions mostly.

I have never worked another grade level, so I have nothing to compare it to for you.

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Apr 5, 2017

HIgh School all the way!! A little less than 500 kids, I tend to "see" about 20-25 kids per day, but I document every student encounter..email, call, fax, 504 prep time. It is all legit student related and needs to be accounted for. I use a special code in my system so they can be filtered out of a regular "Count" of how many kids I have seen.

RatherBHiking, BSN, RN · Apr 5, 2017

I can see how you would have less issues with all the gym injuries, wanting ice packs and attention, etc which would be nice. However, I like the fact a saltine, bandaid, or a hug will make most of these little guys extremely happy.

I wouldn't enjoy dealing with the attitudes at all and I would refuse to let kids go home unless I think they are ill enough, not if they want to and have been texting their parents so that would get old. I would enjoy the maturity of many of them though.

Gosh this is hard. Our high school has 1500 kids so it's big. Thanks for all the replies. I'll keep thinking on it.

Sarah01s · Apr 5, 2017

Lots of high school kids just ask to go home, honestly. the nurse at the school I attend sends you home whenever you want

GdBSN, RN · Apr 5, 2017

I mainly see stomachaches/headaches, because these kids don't eat breakfast, and I do see quite a few with emotional distress. For the most part, the students accept whatever comfort measures we offer and go back to class. I don't miss the PE or recess injuries, or kids bumping heads all the time. I do have a full-time assistant at this school, where I didn't at my old school, and feel so much more respected by the teachers and administrators.

So, to answer your question, the grade level is a much better fit for me, but the school climate also has a lot to do with my happiness.

^^^This...I went from elementary to high school, and absolutely love it. I enjoy being able to talk to and joke around with students on an older level. I see anywhere from 15-30 students per day. I have 5 ADHD meds, 4 DM students. Most inhalers and epi-pens are self carry. For the most part, teachers don't send students for trivial reasons.

JerseyTomatoMDCrab, BSN · Apr 6, 2017

I work PK-5 so I have no experience with high school kids. I think it would definitely be a transition, the health needs are very different. There is a pretty serious heroin problem in my district (unfortunately, this is becoming more common everywhere) so I know my HS friends have their hands full with impairment screenings. Pregnancy, too. BUT: no lice (or a lot less, in any case) fewer minor boo-boos, students able to articulate their concerns a little better.

I would definitely consider going to a high school setting someday if the opportunity arose.