Published
I am a school nurse in IL too!!!
In my district there are 5 schools and 5 RNs!!! Which is really a great #, from what I have heard from other districts. I am considered ancillary staff and they (admin) don't encourage/want us to continue on because that would mean we would be on the pay scale and TRS retirement same as the teachers, also they would have to offer tenure.
But I really like my weekends and holidays! & SUMMER! can't wait!
This is from the IL board of ED, hope it helps...in some bigger and more suburban areas they may really want a certified school nurse...go for it! I say!
http://www.isbe.net/certification/requirements/service_personnel.htm
E. Certification of School Nurses (2004)
[*]Completion of two years of experience as a school nurse prior to July 1, 1972.
[*]Candidates shall be required to pass the applicable content-area test, as well as the test of basic skills if its passage would be required for receipt of a standard certificate.
good luck!
Theresa
I have a masters in psych nursing and an MBA. I guess both help no matter what field you're in, lol! My wife was hired for a teacher position here in Dhaka and there just happened to be an open nurse position so I took it. The teachers make more than I do as they are classified as "overseas hires" and I'm a "local hire." Can't complain though as no hospital has ever given me as many benefits or a tax free salary.
Where you doing the school nurse certificate?
I believe if you are a certified school nurse then you have to be on the same schedule as the teachers. As far as union, I think that they can/do join the teachers union, but as a support staff I am part of the teacher's union because that is what the support staff as a whole choose. I also recieve IMRF retirement which is the support staff, teacher's aids, secretary, janitor type of retirement from my school.
I have heard good things about the UIC program...I have a goal of going on the be a FNP, but not the guts right now!
peace, Theresa
Yeah it is crazy to think that Professional Registered Nurse with a BSN and several abriviations after my name oh and the ability to save you a&&! would be linked with the job decriptions of "some high school required"
But I am lucky...both of the secretaries have degrees in social work and our janitor is a retired military man. They love LOVE the kids! I am lucky to be included with these people. But the one perk I wouldn't mind is tenure! oh and to be paid more what profession/I deserve, but MAN THIS SCHEDULE ROCKs!!!
gbarrera2
49 Posts
Hello,
What type of advanced degree did you pursue that complimented/applied to your current title as a School Nurse? MSN, MEd, FNP(if so what specialty), CNL (if so what specialty)?
Did it result in higher pay? Are School Nurses on Teacher's salary? What are your benefits like.
I am asking because I am very interested in becoming a School Nurse in Illinois. I graduated in December, and am applying for graduate school in the fall along with taking a School Nurse Certificate Program online (3 classes and a clinical). My plans were to work as a School Nurse while attending graduate school and post-graduate school.