Introduce myself

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Hi,

I just wanted to introduce myself. I've been lurking for a while (since about January) on the school nurses board. I recently applied to a full time school nurse position for the next school year. I also applied to the same district as a sub. Not gonna lie, I'm feeling discouraged since it's been almost two weeks and I haven't heard back.

I have almost 13 years experience as an RN (2 of those as a pediatric NP). I've worked in the NICU/PICU/neonatal/pediatric flight nurse and most recently as a NP on a pediatric floor. I moved cross country almost a year ago (had a baby over the summer) and I've been trying to figure out what to do w my life. Pediatric NP jobs are not very plentiful in my area. I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do w my life and school nursing seems like a really good fit. The longer I've been a nurse the less I enjoy working inpatient. I recently took a Part Time RN job on a pedi floor and I just don't like it. I hate 12 hr shifts, drawing blood/putting in IVs. I feel like I'm so over all of it. I mostly enjoy when I feel like I can make a connection with my patients and their families. That's why I thought school nursing would be a good fit for me. The hours would also be great. My husband is a physician so having both of us working odd hours is really challenging (we have a 4 year old and a baby) I don't know where life will take me but I'm really interested in working as a school nurse.

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..

Thanks for introducing yourself. We are a great bunch here who has each other's backs and have tons of fun while we do it. Sounds like School Nursing would be a great fit for you and your family. Good luck! You sound like you have a great deal to offer to the world of School Nursing! Happy Happy Monday!

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Specializes in School Nurse.

Welcome! Sounds like you have a wealth of knowledge to offer as a school nurse. Don't be discouraged. Sometimes hiring can be a long process. Not sure what part of the country you are in, but check each school district's website for job postings. Where I am, districts only post to their websites, not a national job boards (ie...Indeed). Good luck and visit here often, we are a lot of fun!!!

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I hate the waiting processes too. Did they give you an idea of when to hear back? I am keeping my fingers crossed for you!

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Specializes in Peds, School Nurse, clinical instructor.

Welcome! I hope you get the job :)

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Hi,

I'm in Wisconsin. I looked on the website that most districts post their adds. I was really excited to see a FT position in the district in the town next over from me. It would be a 15 minute drive. Do you find that most districts take a while to respond? I really am hoping that this works out.

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Sounds like this would be a wonderful fit for you. Welcome!!!

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Hi. I am also a PNP and have made the switch to School Nursing. It is a great lifestyle, especially if you have kids (I have two). I also love that it allows me to leave work at work (other than a couple of students who have home situations that make me sad). I don;t at all miss the stress from working as a PNP, always replaying my charting in my head, did I miss anything?, etc. Hope you hear back soon and that it is good news. Keep us posted!

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Good luck!

Yes, my district took a long time to answer me back. I applied on a whim.

This is a very busy time of year for most schools as they wind down.

Have you followed up? A "looking forward to hearing from you.." email?

If not, do so.

My quality of life is much improved.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, school nursing.
Hi,

I'm in Wisconsin. I looked on the website that most districts post their adds. I was really excited to see a FT position in the district in the town next over from me. It would be a 15 minute drive. Do you find that most districts take a while to respond? I really am hoping that this works out.

It does seem like most districts take a while to respond, especially this time of year. Here in TX, we still have state testing ahead of us, and my district just sent out contracts last week, so they may be waiting for people to definitely commit to leaving. A lot of the openings that are posted right now are "anticipated" openings, and not definite positions. That gives the district a nice pool of resumes to choose from, once there are definite vacancies. Make sure you send a follow-up email, and maybe ask them for an update. In my district, the nursing director first screens candidates, then she recommends them to the principals to interview. Good luck!

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Thanks for stopping in. You'd be quite the "catch" for any school district. Best of luck and keep us in the loop! I know a lot of positive mojo is being channeled your way.

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.
It does seem like most districts take a while to respond, especially this time of year. Here in TX, we still have state testing ahead of us, and my district just sent out contracts last week, so they may be waiting for people to definitely commit to leaving. A lot of the openings that are posted right now are "anticipated" openings, and not definite positions. That gives the district a nice pool of resumes to choose from, once there are definite vacancies. Make sure you send a follow-up email, and maybe ask them for an update. In my district, the nursing director first screens candidates, then she recommends them to the principals to interview. Good luck!

Iggy's right. Perhaps not every nurse has given notice, or some are wanting to transfer. There's a shuffling between May and June and another in July when people decide for sure they're not returning. Don't get discouraged. Is your life such that you could go work at a summer camp? That's always useful for school nurses.

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