How do I get started?

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Specializes in Med Surg, Nursing Education.

I am interested in finding a job in school nursing. Where do I begin? I looked briefly a few months ago, and it appears I must have a school nursing certificate to even apply for jobs. Does that sound correct? There is a substitute nurse position in my district, and I will apply for that this week. Where else should I look? ( I have bsn...1/2 to Masters in nursing education)

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In nj you don't

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Specializes in School Nursing, Public Health, Home Care.

Depends on your state. You should have a dpi (dept of public instruction) website for your state with loads of info school-related. There is a whole section on that website in my state with school nurse-related info. We have a state-wide school nurse consultant who is available via email. We also have a state-wide listing of all school jobs available. Good luck!

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Specializes in School nursing.

Some do; some don't; read the job listings. My current job didn't, but is covering the costs of some training coursework I need to get certified.

But subbing first is a good start - that is what I did. And depending on the district you sub in, if there is an opening, you could get hired, certificate or not.

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Specializes in kids.

Go talk to the school nurses in the district you are interested in working in. If you have them, where your kids enrolled is a good start.

Good Luck

Love my job!!!

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Specializes in School health, Maternal-Newborn.

I suggest you apply as a per diem to all the districts you would be willing to drive to. Subs won't need certification and at some smaller districts (NYS) the get a waiver and can simply hire an RN. Once your known to the districts you will also know who has more than one nurse and can hire nurses who are not certified, and you will know which districts are small enough to have waivers.

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