How do you get into school nursing

[missy26]

Hello, I just wanted to know if someone could give me advice on how to get into school nursing? When I first graduated, it was easier to do so, but now everyone wants peds experience. I want thinking of doing home care as a peds nurse first since I can't get an interview in school nursing but just wanted to know if anyone had some insight. Thanx

[nyy2]

I "third" subbing. Substitutes almost always have first dibs at any openings. I was a substitute and when the nurse at my school resigned, I applied and was hired full time, so my position was never posted outside of the district.

[Farawyn]

I agree with all my compatriots, but I did NOT sub.

I have experience, but NO peds.

I work in a high school.

[JCBOWLES]

hey yall, I'm a bit confused, when you say sub - are you just subbing for the actual school nurse, or are you subbing for teaching positions...?

[RatherBHiking, BSN, RN]

That would be subbing for the nurse! :) In some states you can sub as a teacher with any 4 yr degree but many you cannot. To get school nursing experience you need to work as a school nurse and not as a teacher.

[100kids, BSN, RN]

Subbing for the School Nurse is a great way for a district to get to know you and a good in when an opening comes up. I have a favorite sub that if I was ever leaving I know the job would be hers if she wanted it. They would probably hire her without even putting it out to interview and even if they did put it out it would be a formality. Also the nice thing about subbing is you will get a better idea of the what the job really is or at least part of the job. Good luck!

[zombieghoast]

I got lucky. I didn't immediately find a nursing job right after graduation because I saw auditions for my favorite musical. I decided to take a small break and then once the musical was in full swing I started looking for a job. One of the people in the show with me asked her mom if the doctor's office she worked for was looking for a RN. Her dad is a superintendent of my school corporation and said he was looking for a nurse.

[Eleven011]

I kind of fell into it too. I decided a few years ago to take a break from nursing and took a job at my kids's school as a classroom aide, eventually moving to the media center library. Our school nurse had been there 17 years and decided it was time to go. I was offered the job before it was advertised. I had subbed for her before also.

[SnugglePuggle, MSN, RN]

Subbing goes a long way in many districts! There are 2 dozen school nurses in my district and news travels fast when a sub does a good job. A good sub is more likely to be offered a long term sub position (such as for a surgery, maternity leave, etc) which is a great opportunity to show your skills and how well you work in a school environment. The pay is terrible but well worth it, especially if you do not have much experience under your belt.