Job Fair Advice Re School Nurse

jagalu100305 · Mar 31, 2010

Go ahead and go to fair but the best way to get your foot in the door is to substitute for the nurses--they are the best reference afterall!!

bergren · Apr 1, 2010

I would not qualify the courses you took as "online". They are courses you took and you passed. Period.

You said you are certified in hearing and vision screening. have you actually assisted or run a screening? Find out if you can vlunteer between now and the job fair.

You don't say what state you are in. I assume you checked and there is no additional course work or certification needed in that state? I suggest joining the local school nurses group and listing that membership on your application. Attend any and all school nurse specific continuing ed opportunities for the job between now and then. Read the School Nurse Textbook (http://www.nasn.org).

" want to work with children and help them succeed" - I like that, good theme. Think about what you will tell them when they ask why you think you could be successful with kids when your experience is all adult? How will you get up to speed on the assessment skills for this age group? What ages does this school serve?

Have someone critique your resume. Bring extras to the job fair.

What experiences do you have with children that would enhance your resume (other than being a mom of 4)? Any experience at camps? Boy Scouts, girl scouts? Sunday school?

Was your email address "mom of 4" too? Is one of your children in that school? Some districts are wary of having a parent serve in the same school their children attend, especially with the access to such sensitive information as the nurse has.

What are you going to wear to the job fair?

Good luck!!!

momof4nurse · Apr 2, 2010

Thank you for all the good advice. I do volunteer at my kids local school as a room parent, chaperone field trips, assist with class parties and activities. I didn't think that was relevant because it did not involve actual nursing care. I've inquired about subbing, but haven't heard anything (we only have about 8 more weeks of school left I may be too late). BTW I'm in Texas. The other screening certification needed is spinal and Acanthosis Nigricans. Looking for a class right now. Made contact with local health department and offered to volunteer for vision/hearing screening. Just recently got those certifications.

This is a learning experience and I'm excited. At first I almost didn't even apply for the position. Almost considered going back into hospital acute care because it would be much easier. But after some thought and self-reflecting I knew I would not be satisfied. I can imagine how challenging school nursing can be. When I'm at the hospital there is always backup when you need and another nurse to throw questions or ideas to. But I have enough experience to trust my assessment and know when to ask for help when I don't know something. Right now I'm scrambling to take as many classes related to peds as much as possible. I can't seem to find a good pediatric assessment course.

If this job fair doesn't result in what I hope for at least I know now what I need to do to get in the door. I will definitely pursue subbing in the fall if I can't do it at this time. Fortunately I have a very suportive husband that wants me to take my time and find that right fit.

Bergren I will check out the NASN website. No, my email is not momof4. BTW I am going to wear a soild neutral color pant suit with a colorful blouse underneath. I have to have some color . Again thanks!