Interested in being a school nurse.

Farawyn · May 14, 2015

If you take half a glance around here you will see that we are kind of frustrated but basically happy bunch, just like most nurses. This is my first year after 22 years in the hospital and I have to say the 3 things that get to me are:

The Pay> it is tough. Even if you think it works on paper, it's bad. I'm currently in the midst of multiple job interviews for a per diem job or summer school

The Teachers> are often clueless. I would rather deal with docs.

The Job> I miss more nursey stuff, and I miss other NURSES. And there are lots of state rules and regs that I'm not used to.

The rest is gravy.

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · May 14, 2015

If you take half a glance around here you will see that we are kind of frustrated but basically happy bunch, just like most nurses. This is my first year after 22 years in the hospital and I have to say the 3 things that get to me are:
The Pay> it is tough. Even if you think it works on paper, it's bad. I'm currently in the midst of multiple job interviews for a per diem job or summer school
The Teachers> are often clueless. I would rather deal with docs.
The Job> I miss more nursey stuff, and I miss other NURSES. And there are lots of state rules and regs that I'm not used to.
The rest is gravy.

But the kids. For the most part, I LOVE the kids.

I also love teaching, which I was surprised by. I co-taught MS sex ed this year after becoming a certified sex educator and will be teaching the subject to 10th graders next year as well.

I do not like chasing students and families for paperwork.

OldDude · May 14, 2015

Only women can be school nurses..........

OldDude · May 14, 2015

But seriously.....if you have an objection about being called "she" or "her" the position wouldn't be for you. I haven't been able to get the statistics but women probably make up 99.9% of school nurses; that's fine with me :yes: . Hours and time off are great, parents are the challenge, regarding the kids you can never say you've "seen it all," salary is the salary; there are plenty of options to supplement your income when school is not in session. The majority of teachers have kinda been sheltered from life outside of an educational institution so they have a different mindset on some things but all and all I say if you think you're interested and get an opportunity, go for it. School nursing positions seldom come open so grab one if you get the chance. If you get a position, let me know because there are some "standard precautions" for guys I can recommend that might not necessarily apply to women. Good luck.

nyy2 · May 14, 2015

The pay is the worst part for me. Although it can vary greatly depending where you are located. I have been here a little over a year and am at 17.50/hour, which works out to around 24K a year. For my family the cheap health insurance (the monthly cost is 1/3 of what we used to pay weekly with my husband's insurance) in addition to the NYS retirement balance out the low pay.

Working with the kids (elementary) and the schedule are the best parts for me. You get to know the kids and develop a relationship with them, which you don't usually get in a hospital, MD office, etc. Having weekends, holidays/breaks off is AWESOME, but sometimes working 5 days in a row makes for a long week.

The autonomy is nice too. I have worked in an MD office in the past that had a terrible office manager with a toxic work environment. At school it is my office and although the principal may have some input on things, for the most part it is my decision for how things are run in the health office. It is nice not dreading going to work and/or walking on eggshells while at work!

As Farawyn said, there are a lot of rules and regulations to get used to! I hated the hands on "nursey stuff", so I don't miss that! I have known/seen a number of school nurses that are male. Perhaps more women just tend to gravitate towards this job?

I'm lucky to work with some pretty great teachers, although there are a few that like to play nurse and tell me what they think needs to be done. There are also parents that are this way too. In either case, I try to be understanding and educate them as well. There will always be those parents that are difficult no matter how nice or flexible you are! :banghead:

Everyone is different and there is not any job that is "one size fits all", but overall as far as nursing goes I think this job cannot be beat!

RatherBHiking, BSN, RN · May 15, 2015

I don't think being a male would hinder you as a school nurse. Lack of experience maybe.

It does take getting used to a different schedule. I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss having more than two days off a week and having to shop on weekends or evenings when it's so busy is a pain. I do feel like I'm at work a lot more but I'm not as stressed so I'm not as tired. Plus after work there's plenty of time to enjoy other family, hobbies, activities, etc.

This is not an exciting job for me but I enjoy it. If you're one of those that like the adrenaline rush at work you'll rarely get it here. The pay for us is the same as teachers. We work 200 days a year so when I break that down for the 7 hr 45 min day I work it's comparable to what nurses make starting out. I know a few school nurses who work prn jobs or summer school to make more money. I know some school nurses make significantly less. If I wasn't considered a professional on the same pay scale as teachers or better I would not do it. I take my summers off and I love them. This year it's 2 months.

There is a lot of dealing with parents. Some get angry because you didn't baby their kid enough. You'll learn who those are quickly. Most are thankful for your help and advice. However, many (more than you'll expect) you will have to keep after to do things they should anyway but won't until forced such as treating for lice, getting a booster shot, taking their child to the dr after you've insisted due to infection or illness, bringing in an inhaler to keep at school, etc. Sometimes we have to be the bad guy and threaten exclusion or child services to get the child taken care of. That's not fun but sometimes necessary.

Teachers don't get us at all. Some think they are better nurses. Some just want to use us to get their problem student out of their hair. Many are grateful. There's lots of teaching/educating. Teachers think vomiting and lice are emergencies whereas us silly nurses are more concerned with low blood sugars and asthma attacks. To them if the student looks ok they must be even if they're sugar is 45. I had a teacher tell a kid to "walk it off" when he asked to get his inhaler. He's a severe asthmatic. When I tell him he has to send him even if he looks fine he says "oh he's one of THOSE kids that just needs babied. I'm like no-ANY kid that asks for their inhaler send to me. I will determine if they're just trying to get out of class. Good grief! I went over this already at the beginning of the year. However, have a kid with lice or feeling like they're going to puke and those teachers will fly into action literally running to my office with the kid in tow.

The thing I hate worse than anything is a student who has lice and I can't reach anyone to pick them up leaving me with a bored kid to babysit that is literally bouncing off the walls. There's always lice-you get used to it but never enjoy it. I also get very frustrated with the frequent flyers or teachers who allow kids to come down for stupid stuff. I also really really miss working with other nurses. Teachers aren't the same-they don't understand us and we don't understand them. They think we have it so easy. That annoys me. I do wish we got more respect.

My favorite thing is getting to know the kids, developing a relationship and seeing them grow. Also, I enjoy the autonomy we have. Great schedule! Every day is different and kids say the funniest things. I always leave feeling like I made someone feel better whether it was a bandaid, hug, counseling, or more serious. Also, even though there is politics in the school they aren't as bad as the hospital.

If you're really serious, then try to get on the sub list and sub your days off or shadow. Also, read through these boards. Everything you're asking has been covered many times! Good luck!

Farawyn · May 15, 2015

Blue_Moon: Your paragraph on teachers = Oh yea!

TheNGTKingRN · May 15, 2015

Thanks so much everyone.

delawaremalenurse · May 15, 2015

The other item to consider is your education level. From your name it looks like you have your ADN...a lot of districts and/or States will only hire school nurses with a minimum BSN

Something to keep in mind...