How do I break into school nursing?

[Jo Dirt]

I am in home health right now and it's not turning out to be what I hoped (I took a job with a company in a lot of turmoil and in danger of being shut down by the state, and that doesn't help) but between having had no orientation, being sent out to do procedures I am very uncomfortable with, 1500 miles on my car every ten days, being expected to take call every weekend, the mounds of paperwork and stress over the state inspectors coming in to monitor us every month and a half, I am starting to really dread going to this job. It's more than I feel I can handle at this point in my career.

I am wondering what school nursing is like and if it is something I would be qualified to do? I have an associate degree RN.

I expect not to make as much, but I am assuming you don't work nights and weekends, and get the holidays and summers off just like the teachers?

How could I get into school nursing?

[ynurse]

The first thing to do is go on line to your state's Department of Education and see what the requirements are to be a school nurse. Here in Colorado you have to have at least a BSN. Do you love children? School nursing is more than just band-aids. There is a lot of social work involved as well as nursing. Case loads vary from responisbility for one school to as many as 10 or 12 schools. School nursing can also be very political. It is sometimes the first area to get a budget cut. You work with a variety of ages (students, teachers, staff, and parents). Good luck. It is very worth persuing.

[Keepstanding, ASN, RN]

You can try to get on at your local school system as a substitute nurse.

That is a good way to "get your foot in the door". As they become familiar with you, and see that you are reliable, professional and trustworthy, then you will be in the forefront of their minds if they get a opening.

Good luck to you. You will love this job !

LPN 90