How much experience before school nursing?

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

How long were you a nurse before you entered school nursing? What kind of experience did you have?

[michigooseBSN]

I had been an RN for 38 years before starting as a school nurse 8 years ago. My experience was varied but primarily adult med-surg. However, I had raised 4 children and been active in their schools for years. I call on that a lot as an elementary school nurse for 450 children.

[Needsmorechocolate, ASN]

I had 2 years of adult med surg before working as a school nurse. :)

[luvschoolnursing, LPN]

16 years med surg before school nursing. Also mom of 2. I think at least a couple years experience is a good idea because you are really on your own.

[GRAMMYTAB]

I had worked in home health, the hospital, and then several years for an internist/pediatrician. You should have a couple of years experience under your belt because you truly are on your own in the school nurse setting. I cam in and had to put this office together from scratch so my experience and organizational skills helped. I asked the county health department for a lot of help and they were great. I got online and asked other school nurses what they used such as Policies and how they documented. You can always email me and I will be glad to help.

[kymaja]

I had 12 years of experience in the areas of ICU (primarily Pedi), Med-Surg, and Home Health. Currently, I am the sole caregiver for 560 elementary students. As per previous posters, school nursing is truly an independent career and involves long days and occasional weekend work to "catch up". Some days I see 60+ students (each visit must be logged into the computer in detail), attend meetings after school, counsel students and teachers, etc., etc. I'll never forget the response of a friend three years ago when I told him about my new job... oh, so all you'll do is put on bandaids..................... It can be extremely frustrating at times when the "educational side (paperwork)" interferes with nursing care, but the kiddos make it all worthwhile!

[luvschoolnursing, LPN]

Kymaja-I get the bandaid thing, too!!

But really, what do you DO all day??