Is subbing better than being permanent staff?

[Curious1alwys]

Want to get my feet wet in school nursing. How many of you would strictly sub if you didn't need bennies? Wondering if subbing is the way to go at first, throughout your district or multiple districts, before actually landing that FT opp. Thoughts?

[MaryGrn]

I was a full-time school nurse for years and went to the sub pool a couple of years ago because of family circumstances. Over-all, I would say it's been a good move. Here are some pro's- the stress level went down tremendously! Part of that is due to less responsibility, and also part-time hours. (I've found that full-time is usually impossible to get subbing, but that works for me right now.) The flexibility is wonderful. I've never run into unfriendly staff, because they are always happy to have you. But the best thing, I think, is how much you learn! I cover 40 schools, so I have had more experience with the scope of school nursing (and grades PK to 12) in the past 2 years than I did over several years at one school. It's great to work with trachs, feeding tubes, catherizations, etc. that you may not get to see staying in one place. Of course, the down sides are not having your own clinic and your own organizational methods. You have to orient yourself every time you work to where things are, who people are, etc. Staff are usually very helpful about frequent fliers and problem parents though. But I do miss my 'own' kids. I wish I had a dime for every time a student says "where's the real nurse?" :)