Making the switch from Elementary to High School?

Big kids, big problems. You say the schedules are different--why not apply and see if you can shadow?

I went from elementary to HS 4 years ago and never looked back. I love talking with the kids on a more mature level. They are fun to joke around with. I look for every opportunity to educate them about taking care of their body. There are a lot more emotional issues to deal with, and many think that any little ache or pain deserves to be sent home. I'll take those issues over potty accidents and lice any day. Good luck on your decision!

I can't figure out how to reply to a specific post ugh

So: BiscuitRN--the schedules are the same, thats not a concern at all of mine, in fact this HS is where I did my practicum when pursuing my CSN--my concern is adjusting to the age difference and its a personal thing I get it so no one can tell me how I'll ultimately feel, I'm just curious if anyone else made the age difference leap and hated it or loved it and what specifically did they hate or love about it, see if there are any pros/cons I'm missing in my brain lol

GdBSN, RN: I love the idea of being able to have more conversations with this students. Some of these kids in elementary (kdg) dont even know their name! I ask them a question and all I get is a completely blank stare. Ugh and the lice issue!! Yes that is a big pro of moving to HS!! Thanks for pointing that out!

Edited to add: I think it wont hurt for me to apply...interview and go to the table with my requests--they have to at least start me at the salary I am now, health insurance, pay back my current district for the grad courses I've completed so far, and approve a week long vacation leave next fall that I have already started paying for LOL so at least I can be honest and up front from the get go haha

I did the reverse (HS to prek-8) and it didn't bother me one bit! There is a sea change in how you react to the kids. You don't need to be as sweet and nice to a HS kid. They will have already researched their problem; thanks to Dr. Google they will be sure they have a kidney infection when all they are is a little dehydrated and they need to drink more water....

There is a real psych component in HS (not that you didn't see it in elementary, it's just MORE). We are pushing the kids to their limits and they are manifesting stomach aches, head aches, and generalized anxiousness. Not much to do but let them take a disco nap. They're making choices and having to learn to live with the consequences - yes, your new tattoo hurts and itches. Go back to class!

Good luck!

I work in a school with JK-12th grade and the high schoolers come more frequently for complaints like a headache or upset stomach. Sometimes it's just to get away from a social situation (though more of that from the middle schoolers), anxiety is a big component too with this age group.

Well as I just assisted the TENTH elementary student with a clean pair of clothes (and its never just handing them clean pants they need physical help with shoes and getting pants buttoned etc) because the teachers think it is acceptable to take them out to the playground with mud puddles I have decided I am for sure applying for the HS position...

54 minutes ago, Csn2016 said:

Well as I just assisted the TENTH elementary student with a clean pair of clothes (and its never just handing them clean pants they need physical help with shoes and getting pants buttoned etc) because the teachers think it is acceptable to take them out to the playground with mud puddles I have decided I am for sure applying for the HS position...

You are so much kinder than I would ever be....I tell the students/teachers that we do not have non-emergency clothing and mud is not an emergency. Neither is milk, pudding, jell-o, or enchiladas. But please call your mom to explain why you're wet and muddy!

If I had them call their parents that would completely backfire too...majority of them do not have a clue as to what their phone number is or even how to pick up a phone and use it ?

5 min after I posted that though a 5th grader was sent to me because she had a splash of apple juice on her pants, I asked her why she did not go to the bathroom to wash it off and she said the teacher sent her to me...WHY?! I told her to go to the bathroom and clean up

I've loved it the last 4 years, but not I am starting to wondering if I should go to the elementary school just because of the increasing violence at my school. Gangs ect.

I guess it depends on your area and how it is.

I love HS nursing because you can talk to them like adults, joke with them, be sarcastic, call them out when they lie (lol).

No more screenings for every grade, just the SPED kiddos.

So yeah, it definitely has a bright side.