Looking for advice

[Heavenlee75]

I had an interview today for a school nurse position & was shocked at how low the pay is.  Money isn't everything but it would be a big change for me.  I've been an RN for almost 19 years & I'm ready for change.  I know I would love having summers & holidays off, no call, no mandating etc.  Do most of you that work as school nurses like your job? I know since COVID things have been more stressful but that has been the case for every nurse out there. What are the pros & cons? Any advice would be helpful!

[scuba nurse, BSN, MSN, RN]

Yes I love my job. The pay is lower but now after 10 years I have almost caught up (not covid pay caught up, but regular RN hospital pay). It is great having days off that my children do and to be on their schedule.

Will be you be on a teachers contract*** 

[k1p1ssk, BSN, RN]

I think by and large, you will find that the seasoned school nurses here LOVE their jobs (Minus COVID). There are certainly many school nurses who burned out during the pandemic, just like every other specialty.

Pros are definitely the time off, getting to know your students super well since you see them almost daily 9mos out of the year, and the relationships you build. This of course takes time, but is well worth the effort. 

All jobs have their fair share of nutjobs, and school nursing is no exception - parents and staff, even students, have moments, but if the culture in/around the school is good, then the job will (mostly) be good. 

Do a search of this subforum, with phrases like "new school nurse" or "considering school nursing" or even just scroll through and you will find many other posts with many great previous discussions on this very topic!

[Avill, BSN, RN]

For me the pros outweigh the cons. I have a Bachelor's and my district pays more for that AND we are one of the best staffed and best pain in our state. 

BUT my pay does go up each year and it has increased dramatically since I started. I have small kids so this works for me. 

I also supplement doing home health after school ect. 

[nursekoll, BSN, RN]

I don't do this job for the money. It works so much better for me than hospital shifts and the perks to me are worth it! No weekends, holidays, summers or call. Knowing the staff and families in my own kids' school is worth it's weight in gold! Also, having the autonomy to run the school health clinic as you see fit without all the B.S. meetings, surveys, and in-services etc. that hospitals require is a plus. You're entering into long-term relationships with your school staff and students/families, so there is great reward in making a difference in their health over time! If money is an issue, you can always do travel or temp positions over the Summer or on weekends. 

[beachynurse, ASN, BSN]

I've been a school nurse for 18 years, and can't imagine doing anything else. I took a hefty pay cut, but if I had to do it over again I would make the same decision.