New grad nurse—school board nurse opportunity

Appears that the school board is required to have an R.N. as a member.

Your role would be mainly administrative, you have experience in THAT area, that's why they want you.

You could market this position into anyone you want in the future.  However, the future is NOW.  It is a fantastic opportunity to be able to stay home with your kids during the pandemic.

 Go for it.

8 minutes ago, Ann1e86 said:

You all have given me a lot to think about and I thank each and every one of you for taking the time to read and respond! Like another responder here, I also worked in preventative health and worked with children in school setting before changing careers into nursing. I understand that experience is necessary in order for one to be a successful school nurse. I’ve always had a goal to work in nursing and to continue working either in education or prevention medicine, so I don’t think NP is really in the cards for me. Another user asked how would I feel if an inexperienced school nurse had to care for my child in an emergency, and I understand how concerning that would be.  I feel I need to be more informed before making a decision as well, so you all have helped me in creating a list of questions for the interview tomorrow. 
 

if you wanted to know what the job post looked like, here is what it says—

 

As a School Board Nurse you will:

Utilize the nursing process in response to referrals from schools to initiate a plan of action for resolving health problems.

Collaborate with community health agencies concerning health issues.

Consult with students, school staff, parents and physicians concerning student health problems and their solutions upon referral from school.

Participate in educational programs designed to increase knowledge and enhance the quality of nursing care as directed by the Director of ESSS or Designee.

Implement health education programs designed to promote student health and well-being.

Participate as a member of multi-disciplinary committees, when requested by the Director of ESSS and/or Designee.

Utilize and promote optimal communication between the family, school, physician, and/or community agencies.

Manage, independently, all materials, paperwork, and equipment required for completion of medical tasks

Prepare formal written reports necessary to answer specific referral questions in compliance with department format.

Manage school health services program in each assigned school.

Collect and report monthly statistical data to Department of Health and Director of ESSS/Designee.

Communicate, educate, and/or instruct school staff regarding information and interventions as outlined in individual health care plans.

Orient, provide training, and document skills of school personnel providing health services to students.

Perform other duties/tasks consistent with the goals and objections of this position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $69,000.00 per year

Doing this as a new nurse...not a good idea. This is essentially a Director of Health Services position.

Also, big job description, little pay. Keep in mind that you'll end up covering schools when one of the staff LPNs is out sick.

So...new grad with no relevant acute care experience but does have some prior management. This board sees the opportunity to fulfill an RN requirement with you while paying the base salary (win/win for them). In addition, they're not responsible for the liability you'll incur nor the risk associated to you license if something "goes south"...and it will. You're assuming all the risk, liability, responsibility, and none of the pay (another win/win for them). 

Pass on this until you have some acute care skills and critical thinking abilities suited for such a self-reliant position.

3 hours ago, JenTheSchoolRN said:

I'm one of those very rare folks that went into school nursing as a new grad. But in the time of COVID I actually would NOT recommend it. There is a TON of additional things that come with that and very good assessment skills are part of it. It is a challenge right now for even the most experienced of us.

 

You are one of the ones who has done it Very well!

17 hours ago, NutmeggeRN said:

You are one of the ones who has done it Very well!

::blushing::

Locally school nurses must have BSN, looks like you have Associate degree? Zero experience as a nurse in any setting? Why you would even consider this job is baffling!

1 hour ago, PollywogNP said:

Locally school nurses must have BSN, looks like you have Associate degree? Zero experience as a nurse in any setting? Why you would even consider this job is baffling!

Different states have different rules for the position, and (in my state at least) private schools can do what they want.

When you're brand-spanking new you mostly "don't know what you don't know" BUT you're really in need of a job...

On 11/4/2020 at 12:26 PM, Ann1e86 said:

Hello fellow nurses! I’m a new grad and a newly licensed nurse. I’m about to start working at Advent Healths nurse residency program. I’m trying to keep options open and do have an interview for Orlando health and their nurse residency as well. However there was an opportunity for me to interview (and highly possible to be offered to me) for a school board RN nurse position. It was described to me as more of a case management/leadership, being in charge of the care of children in 3 elementary schools in my county. I would not be working within the school buildings, but instead would be providing staff education on disease processes, infection control and would be the contact for the 3 schools when their health care workers/LPNS need support in caring for child (broken bones, exacerbation of chronic illnesses and so forth, stuff that require an RN’s assessment). It’s a Monday thru Friday, paid time off during when my kids would be on break from school and I’ll be honest, it sounds great. I really don’t mind the lack of hands on care. However my RN sister made a good point—she said taking this job as a new grad would reduce my marketability in the future, which is a legit concern. The salary isn’t great either. I guess I’ve really enjoyed being with my kids during these covid times and taking on a leadership position and being able to see them everyday sounds nice. What are your thoughts?? Thank you for reading ☺️

As a new grad nurse I don’t think you have the necessary assessment skills or critical thinking skills in order to be of much support to those LPN’s. In fact, they probably will have more experience than you. I’m sorry, but I think and always say that a solid 2-3 years of med surf experience will sharpen those skills and make you so much more valuable. I’ve been a school nurse for the last 17 of my 35 years of nursing experience. 
Please get more experience before considering this position.