Lonely in the office

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So I'm liking my new job as a middle school nurse, but it's a little lonely. Access to the health office is through the main office so I can't really go hang out in the hallway and interact with people. Most teachers are in other buildings. I eat lunch alone because I wait until the 3 lunch periods are finished since that is the busy time. The various administrative staff is nice but they're working too...Any suggestions to be more sociable so I don't get claustrophobic here in the clinic all day? :)

Hello,

I too am a new school nurse, I started 3 weeks ago, the nurse I replaced was well known and liked, she actually grew up here and went to this same small school. I feel so lonely, no one really talks to me when I work at the high school, they are used to not having a nurse so the kids won't even come to me they go to the secretary if they have a headache and she just comes and gets whatever they need. I feel useless. I am used to being needed and wanted and working in a fast paced environment to feeling so unimportant and not wanted. HELP! I am so glad I have found this board and hope to get to know you all as I adjust to this isolation I am feeling.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
Hello,

I too am a new school nurse, I started 3 weeks ago, the nurse I replaced was well known and liked, she actually grew up here and went to this same small school. I feel so lonely, no one really talks to me when I work at the high school, they are used to not having a nurse so the kids won't even come to me they go to the secretary if they have a headache and she just comes and gets whatever they need. I feel useless. I am used to being needed and wanted and working in a fast paced environment to feeling so unimportant and not wanted. HELP! I am so glad I have found this board and hope to get to know you all as I adjust to this isolation I am feeling.

Like I say...enjoy it before everyone realizes you're there, and don't broadcast it around campus; otherwise you'll be helping the attendance clerk or answering the phone in the front office.

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Specializes in NCSN.
Hello,

I too am a new school nurse, I started 3 weeks ago, the nurse I replaced was well known and liked, she actually grew up here and went to this same small school. I feel so lonely, no one really talks to me when I work at the high school, they are used to not having a nurse so the kids won't even come to me they go to the secretary if they have a headache and she just comes and gets whatever they need. I feel useless. I am used to being needed and wanted and working in a fast paced environment to feeling so unimportant and not wanted. HELP! I am so glad I have found this board and hope to get to know you all as I adjust to this isolation I am feeling.

First of all Welcome!! Use this board to learn, vent and laugh!

Second, it will take time for staff to learn who you are and trust your judgement. It is definitely a different pace, and they won't know they want you until a situation comes up where you are the only one who can help (epi, large bleeds, etc). Work on making it YOUR health office and making your presence known.

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Thank you both for your replies, I have hope that it won't always be like this lol. I look forward to learning more about my role and making my presence known. Thanks again for the encouragement.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Emergency Room, School Nurse.

@ rnknsn: That was me at the beginning of the school year!

There are still students that will not come down to the clinic they will text their parents to just come pick them up and by pass me completely.

The first couple of weeks were a big adjustment but as time is going on I am learning the students and they are slowly coming to trust me.

The other thing that made it hard was that they haven't had a nurse for a long time so some of them won't come down since they don't realize that I am nurse others won't come down because I am a LPN.

Sorry to make this about my woos! I understand how you feel.

It is nice to be able to get on here and talk to others in the same situation.

Good luck and I am sure things will turn around for you it just takes time!

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