Just starting to gain their trust and now...

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

I have been at my school since Feb. '08, so one full school year, plus a half of another, plus this year. It seems I am just now being accepted as the medical go-to person and the resource person in the building. Just today I had a staff member come to be because she heard the H1N1 vaccine could cause autism and paralysis. I explained about the controversity about preservatives in vaccines and that she could request preservative free for children under 2 and pregnant women, then I explained about the Guillian Barre thing in the 70's. I explained risk-to-benefit ratio and told her that for ME, the benefits outweigh and potential risk, but she should discuss it with her doctor and determine the ratio for herself and her family.

Later a parent came to me because her youngest child is 2 and has not started talking. She only says "mama" and gestures. I explained about developmental differences and gave her information on Early Childhood Interventions and the number to request an assessment.

So, I am feeling pretty good that people in the building are starting to trust me as the medical authority around here, and are coming to me with some really important questions. The problem is, I am strongly considering leaving after this year because I have moved and my drive is now 40+ miles each way. I feel like it is a shame that it took this long to gain their trust and respect, then I will have to start over somewhere else. I also feel a little guilty about "leaving them", although I know the other nurses in my district are fully capable (and most have more experience than myself!) Plus, the school nursing opportunities in the rural areas around my new home are fiercely guarded, and someone practically has to die before there is an opening. So, I am looking at a new career direction if I leave...but I still :heartbeat school nursing.

Just feeling a little sad and proud at the same time and wanted to share.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

I do 40 each way now. While it does stink, I like the job and really, that's awfully important.

[SchoolNurseBSN]

I drive about the same distance. For me, It is worth the drive!! However, you need to do what is best for your family and your pocketbook (depending on what type of car you drive - gas is pretty expensive).

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

I keep going back and forth on it. For me, the drive is really dragging me down. I hate driving on the Interstate and my drive is all interstate highways. By the time I get to work I feel like I have already put in an 8 hour day. It is making me start to hate work, even though I enjoy the job, if that makes any sense at all :) Thankfully I have several more months to decide what is right, since there is no way I am going to leave my school mid-year. I can suck it up at least til summer. How many weeks til Thanksgiving???

[bergren]

Take care of your health. Find another job closer to home. Hopefully you can find a school position. I have relocated 9 times, have always found another job, and another job I liked. The school nurse jobs are not always the first one I take, but I have been shocked how often they pop up. I would also say that popping back and forth between acute and the school setting has helped sharpen my skills and my ability to communicate with the nurses and primary care providers in those settings. In other words, it has made me a better school nurse.

Good luck, tough decision.......

[tsansom]

That is a very long drive everyday but you could try listening to a book CD or some educational CD. I use my drive time for worshiping God. Some of it's quite time/prayer time and some is worship music. I also catch up on news through NPR.

I call it my down time or me time. I eat my breakfast in the car on the way and enjoy time to myself.