New to this.. Feeling like maybe I made a mistake

SchoolRNAmy · Mar 24, 2014

I hope things get better for you. I will tell you that I felt sick my first year of school nursing. It was tough, but eventually, my immune system kicked into gear.

I'm now in my 3rd year of school nursing, and (knock on wood) haven't been sick this year, despite being saturated with coughing, strep infused kids. The best thing I can say is, wash your hands. All. The. Time. Take it easy on yourself. It gets better.

I love my job, but this was one of the big challenges to overcome.

SnowyJ, RN · Mar 24, 2014

I completely understand. I left 27 years of hospital nursing behind to become a school nurse last year. It was a huge adjustment! I do miss my co-workers. I am never "lonely" for long, though.

As others have mentioned, Keeping things sanitary is huge! I rely heavily on sanitizing wipes, Lysol and handwashing/hand sanitizer. You may begin to feel OCD using them as much as you do, but it's necessary.

As others have said, my biggest obstacle is children arriving at school sick. It's such a challenge. Often it's hard to even reach a parent. I've had sick kids stay the better part of the day with me because no parent/contact can be located.

All in all it's very rewarding. But it takes some serious adjustment. You will get there! :yes:

bsyrn, ASN, RN · Mar 25, 2014

Sorry your first few week have been so bad, hang in there, it does get better. I have Lysol spray, Clorox wipes and an air purifier in my office. Every time a sick student comes in I sanitize everything they touch. Also....I am a fanatical hand washer. With all that , I stay pretty healthy :)

Rn,Ame · Mar 26, 2014

Things are a little better your encouragement has helped so much! I am still trying to adjust just finished my second round of antibiotics for pink eye. I think I just feel like I don't belong and I feel like

nurses r a different breed and teachers just don't understand us!! I am trying to hold on i also have like 500 screenings to do before June

VStarRN · May 19, 2014

I was wondering how it was going? I started a school nurse position as a new grad on April 1 at a small, private school that has not had a nurse in over 5 years. The kids are pretty independent so I find that I give meds during lunch and respond to basic first aid and typical school day complaints-stomachaches, headaches, etc. The students are assessed by outside sources. I know I shouldn't complain because it is a very easy job but it is very lonely and sometimes boring. I have offered to help teach health or special topics but so far no interest. Any suggestions? I basically sit by myself until a student comes in. I even eat lunch at a separate time because I give meds at lunch.

100kids, BSN, RN · May 20, 2014

Starting in the middle of the year is very tough. I learned that the hard way and your first year being the School Nurse is a big adjustment. Give it time and you will get your own groove going. Tell administration about the screenings and get them to agree for you to set up a few days for only screenings, meds and emergencies and be tough about it. Don't let people walk all over you (kids or adults). If you do they will continue to do it over and over again. One step in front of the other.

Rn,Ame · May 21, 2014

It has been going better for me! I do see usually about 40-50 kids a day. I am still lonely. I just believe as nurses we are different we r so different than teachers.

It has taken a while for me to find my place there. It is still a process. Hang in there and give it at least 3 months. Many school nurses I know told me at least give it that long. Good luck!

sippee · Aug 11, 2014

Wondering if after the school year ended you still feel the same? I am going to be starting my third year and still feel torn about returning to my old nursing specialty . I decided to give it this year to see how I feel.