Making the switch from Elementary to High School?

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine, Women's Health,School Nursing.

Anyone do this kind of jump? I am currently elementary level (k-5), I am in a school district that is 26 miles from my house but runs a fairly similar schedule to my kids school district (typically holidays are all the same, if there is a weather delay or early dismissal at my kids school the school I work at will most likely be doing the same thing). Anyway, a high school that is 6 miles from my house will be having their HS school nurse position opening after this year....this school district shares the same school schedule as my kids (its a strange district set up but the schools actually share the same busing company so if one has an early dismissal etc the other one will as well). It is 2 miles from my kids school so if there is an issue I can get to my kids much faster than before.

The down side...will I like HS? I am loving working with little kids BUT what if thats just because I am in that point of my life now (my kids are elementary age and younger)...what if I pass this opportunity up and in 10 years I am so over the 'little kid' stage and dealing with 'accidents' in pants etc. I currently love the district I work for and I am of course scared of the change of administration etc. plus not to mention *IF* I'd apply and get the position they would have to pay my current school district back for the grad courses I've completed so far because I am not paying it back out of pocket.

Okay enough background--HS nurses--what do you love and what do you dislike about working with the 'older' kids? I totally love the idea of them coming to me and being able to tell me what is wrong and having them be more self sufficient.

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

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Specializes in School Nurse.

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!

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine, Women's Health,School Nursing.

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

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

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!

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Specializes in Critical Care/School Nurse.

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.

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Specializes in School Nurse.
On 10/18/2019 at 10:11 AM, ruby_jane said:

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.

A LOT of anxiety social issues.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine, Women's Health,School Nursing.

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...

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.
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!

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine, Women's Health,School Nursing.

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

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Specializes in School Nursing, Home Health.

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.

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