Is subbing better than being permanent staff?

A&Ox6, MSN, RN · Mar 13, 2015

I subbed at an independent school, and that is how I got my current job at another independent school. It could be helpful, especially if it allows you to try it out...

fetch, BSN, RN · Mar 13, 2015

Next year I'm going to be moving from full time to subbing, but due partly to outside circumstances. I also feel like school nursing isn't really a good career fit for me -- at least not on the elementary level. I guess when I sub I'll see how I deal with the middle and high schoolers!

A few downsides to subbing:

- less pay and no benefits (obviously)

- changing schedule

- changing student and co-worker population (this is my 2nd year at an elementary school and I feel like I'm only now really clicking with the staff and students)

- don't set up your own clinic

- none of the "fun stuff" -- I really enjoy decorating my door and bulletin board!

I always recommend that nurses who want to be school nurses to start subbing. My district is very short staffed with nurse subs, and we've had some nurses have to leave mid-year, so there are long-term opportunities as well as daily. Plus it lets you get to know all the principals and so on, so when you apply and interview, they already know who you are! I'm pretty sure there's an exclusivity clause though - if you sub in one district you can't also sub in another one.

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · Mar 13, 2015

Next year I'm going to be moving from full time to subbing, but due partly to outside circumstances. I also feel like school nursing isn't really a good career fit for me -- at least not on the elementary level. I guess when I sub I'll see how I deal with the middle and high schoolers!
A few downsides to subbing:
- less pay and no benefits (obviously)
- changing schedule
- changing student and co-worker population (this is my 2nd year at an elementary school and I feel like I'm only now really clicking with the staff and students)
- don't set up your own clinic
- none of the "fun stuff" -- I really enjoy decorating my door and bulletin board!
I always recommend that nurses who want to be school nurses to start subbing. My district is very short staffed with nurse subs, and we've had some nurses have to leave mid-year, so there are long-term opportunities as well as daily. Plus it lets you get to know all the principals and so on, so when you apply and interview, they already know who you are! I'm pretty sure there's an exclusivity clause though - if you sub in one district you can't also sub in another one.

Well said, fetch! (And join our dark side - I definitely prefer the older kids!)

I subbed before getting a FT position. Subbing gave me a taste of the elementary, middle school, and high school kids, which really helped in narrowing down with school population I felt I was more effective with. I love health teaching, which I felt I really get to do with the middle school and high school population. I can reason with those kids, well, I can reason more than I could with the elementary population .

Not to mention subbing experience can get a resume looked - even in another district. And the connections made I feel are invaluable to this sect of nursing.

Curious1alwys, BSN, RN · Mar 14, 2015

Thank you for the feedback. I'll just try to get in the door anyway I can!

Farawyn · Mar 14, 2015

fetch, you had better stay on this board!

I did not sub first, OP. And I am with the older kids as well. I like them. They are smart and funny and selfish and sometimes really sad and angry. Never a dull moment.

fetch, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2015

fetch, you had better stay on this board!
I did not sub first, OP. And I am with the older kids as well. I like them. They are smart and funny and selfish and sometimes really sad and angry. Never a dull moment.

I intend to stick around! Especially with subbing, I'm looking forward to a whole new set of problems with middle and high kids.

Curious1alwys, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2015

yikes, my interview was bad! The admin just didn't seem nice at all, bad feeling about this one. Maybe I better hope I don't get it! They just read a bunch of questions off a list and it is so impersonal.

I am thinking more and more that subbing is the way to go. I go to school nurse interviews and I feel almost like I am being interviewed by a sorority. So cliquey it seems. Don't want to get into a full time poorly paid position and be treated like cow dung by admin. What should I be asking in these interviews to help me better feel out if admin is going to be supportive or not in the school setting? I know admin support or lack thereof can make or break a school nurse position!

RatherBHiking, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2015

I didn't mind subbing. The downsides of course are not really being part of the school, feast or famine, not knowing the kids (their health issues off the top of your head, fakers, issues at home, etc), not knowing your way around, etc. However, most people are helpful, you avoid all the politics and cliques, and you can leave all the big issues for the regular nurse. Plus you don't have to work every day or deal with the same problem families all the time! It's a great way to see if it's a good fit for you. Teachers are very cliquey. You will always feel a little on the outside though whether subbing or full time. No one truly understands what you do and what you're responsible for. They act like we have it so easy handing out bandaids and calling parents for sick kids. They have no clue what we're truly responsible for. Unfortunately the people you're being interviewed by aren't the people you may be working with. I find if the principal supports you and doesn't let the staff call the shots then you'll be ok but if they let they let the teachers run things then watch out. The fact it seemed so impersonal raises a red flag. Maybe they're having to interview all the time due to high turn over and just need a warm body. It's hard to keep school nurses due to the low pay and it not always being what one expects. Follow your gut! Sub for a year or two and if you decide you love it then worry about finding a permanent position. Besides, most school nurses are hired from the sub pool first anyway! Go with your gut!

Windchaser22 · Mar 20, 2015

Not sure what state your in Fetch. In NJ subbing is by county with no exclusivity clause. Good luck to you!!!

MollyJ · Mar 20, 2015

Subbing is a good way to get to know the building(s) and to try on the job. It also is a way for staff to decide if they like you. However, nothing beats the long term relationship with kids, staff and families. It may be what I like about school nursing the most.

Shining in an interview is difficult. It can be "just chemistry". However, know that while the first aid stuff is often the most connected image of school nursing, it is not, IMHO the most important. Be willing to talk about your experiences in the care of children and families, your aptitudes and abilities in working with special needs kids including psych mental health issues, your comfort with doing or learning about technologies that might come to school, and your experiences with family nursing.

Finally the weirdest thing about school nursing is that health care is not the "main event" there. Education is. Nurses and nursing are not very...important. Perhaps others can speak to this, too. You are an adjunct to the main business of education. So that's different. But I like it.

RatherBHiking, BSN, RN · Mar 20, 2015

That's so true Molly! The only time we're deemed "important" is if there's a health emergency (which thankfully doesn't happen every day) or something the teacher doesn't want to deal with (body odor, lice, vomit, etc) which are emergencies in their eyes. The kid with low blood sugar isn't usually an emergency to them because the kid is being quiet and good! Teachers get jealous of us sitting there and not worrying about core standards and achievement tests. How dare we! We just have it so good! lol! I do agree developing relationships with the students and staff is what makes the job most enjoyable. I also like the fact I feel like I can have a personal life in addition to my job. No call ins, no one giving you a hard time for calling off because you or your kid is sick, less stress and more laid back atmosphere so not as exhausted after work, etc.