Multiple schools

jess11RN · May 1, 2019

Don't do it! I cover 2 schools and it's difficult enough.

EnoughWithTheIce · May 1, 2019

RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN!!!

Flare, ASN, BSN · May 1, 2019

i don't think i'd want a job where i cover 5 schools unless expectations for what i'd really do were minimal!

OldDude · May 1, 2019

Under those circumstances you're going to be "responsible" for 5 schools; it's impossible to "cover" 5 schools. On this site I've often had the opportunity to say, "Bam! Another kid snatched from the jaws of death. School nurses - that's what we do!" That's because these brilliant and capable school nurses are at the ready to intervene on a moments notice and that's exactly what they do. It's unlikely you'll be the "right" campus when you are needed the most and that's going to be a situation you'll have to explain away; prove yourself innocent if something goes south.

Be very very wary of a district offering such a position. Do they have classroom teachers that "cover" 5 campuses? Heed the above.

Golden_RN, MSN · May 1, 2019

About 10 years ago I worked as a school nurse (for 1 whole year!) and I had 3 schools as a 0.7 FTE. All I did was health assessments for students in special ed, care plans for serious health problems and vision/scoliosis screenings.

No one at the schools knew who I was (no time to form relationships) and I was not given an office space at any of the schools. That meant assessments were done in the hallways, empty cafeteria, etc. You can see why I only lasted 1 year.

This is how all of the school districts in my city function. There are no schools that have an on-site nurse.

If you are considering such a job, I highly suggest you ask for a shadow day.

BettyGirard, BSN · May 2, 2019

It doesn't work. All it means is they've dumped health paperwork for five schools on you without you being able to provide anything approximating a reasonable level of care. (just my opinion).

jess11RN · May 2, 2019

17 hours ago, OldDude said:
It's unlikely you'll be the "right" campus when you are needed the most and that's going to be a situation you'll have to explain away; prove yourself innocent if something goes south.

Thanks, OD for reinstilling my greatest fear! I'm half kidding....maybe...I think ?

jess11RN · May 2, 2019

13 hours ago, BettyGirard said:
It doesn't work. All it means is they've dumped health paperwork for five schools on you without you being able to provide anything approximating a reasonable level of care. (just my opinion).

And keep in mind that you're still professionally responsible for all of that level of care, especially in the event of an emergency.

ruby_jane, BSN, RN · May 2, 2019

At times like these I quote from the Princess Bride: What are your assets?

If you have an LVN or certified medical assistant in each school....I would still say that this is no good introduction to school nursing. Good luck!

Feral.Cat.Herder, RN · May 2, 2019

Are you being hired as the district or system-wide RN? In our district we have System-wide RNs (BSN) (2) that are responsible for 11 schools, 8 elementary, 2 middle and 1 HS. They're available for the 10 clinic nurses which are LPNs and the 1 RN, ADN for consults, expert advise, clinical assistance, 504s, IHPs and Immunizations. They do not cover clinics in the event a clinic nurse is absent nor do they do any staff training. They are not assigned a specific school and are free to move around the district as needed.

It can get overwhelming for them at times, but for the most part they love it.

Supernrse01, BSN · May 2, 2019

Speaking from experience, don't do it. Seriously, just don't do it. I am currently the only nurse for 4 buildings and it is impossible to fully cover everything that needs to be done. Things get done, but it's definitely not ideal, and in my opinion it's very unsafe practice.