Making the transition to school nursing

[Brittany Podhradsky]

Hi, I am an RN (BSN) with 10 years of RN experience. My previous experience has been in med/surg, trauma, ICU, and oncology/infusion...all with adult populations. I love nursing but have been struggling with finding a job that I both find fulfilling but also provides me with a better work/home life balance. I have 2 kids (ages 3 and 5) my husband works intonthe evening hours most night and almost every Saturday, which makes shift work difficult with trying to organize care outside of regular daycare/school hours, so I have been looking alot at nurse jobs with more routine hours...however so many options just don't interest me. 

I have always thought I would enjoy school nursing at some point as I've always loved kids, I love educating/presenting, I love working with families, and I always thought the hours would be perfect for once I had school age kids. However, I never seriously pursued it or pursued any pediatric experiences. 

The school district I am in has recently posted a substitute school nurse position and I want to apply as I feel like that would be the perfect opportunity to get my foot in the door with school nursing, but I'm just wondering what thoughts or suggestions anyone might have as how to market myself for that position without having the pediatric experience? What should I highlight or elaborate on that can stand out to accommodate for that? What would make you want to hire me over someone with pediatric experience?

 

Sorry for the long explanation, but just trying to get as much info/advice as possible!

[RatherBHiking, BSN, RN]

I would highlight you love kids and have 10 yrs of nursing experience which includes trauma and ICU so you would feel comfortable handling any emergencies on your own. Also that you enjoy educating and working with families. 

A lot of school nurses don’t come from a pediatric background. Pretty sure they’re going to hire you as a sub because no one can ever find enough subs it seems.

This is a great idea to get your foot in the door and see if you will enjoy this type of job! Best wishes! 

[k1p1ssk, BSN, RN]

In my experience, schools are always looking for per-diem nurses and as long as you take an interest, apply your skills and knowledge appropriately, and follow the lay of the land in the schools you are placed in, you will have no problems. Schools also often give preference to per-diems when full time opportunities pop up. It's a great way to gain experience and become familiar with the role without making a long term commitment!

[Lake Lover, BSN]

I was hired in May as a sub school nurse for my district. I have zero peds experience, but lots of case management, which they felt was a plus. There is a shortage of sub nurses in a lot of places. It absolutely never hurts to try! 

So far I am loving it. The only down fall is that I have to be at most schools before my child's school starts and had to start them on the bus to make it work. Just be aware of start times and whether before/after school care is available when your kids reach that age. 

[arlingtonnurse]

Definitely take the per diem job.  You can 'try it out' a little while gaining experience and you'll be first to know of any openings.   Like all jobs, school nursing has it's good and bad parts but for may it's the perfect spot for them.  These days with the market like it is, nobody should stay at a job they hate.

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

And once you are hired,  changed your name on here to a pseudonym....