New grad school nurse

[Determined621]

Hi guys! So I graduated nursing school in May of this year and went to work on a pediatric med/surg floor. It was really not what I was expecting and I literally don't sit down for my entire 12 hour night shift. I am so overwhelmed and dread going to work every night. I have really been considering trying to go into school nursing. Even though I know this job is stressfull as well, I don't think it would be quite as overwhelming. Also the schedule seems so much better for me with two elementary aged children. I have worked night shift even before becoming a nurse for 7 years as a Respiratory Therapist. I'm sick of night shift!! I literally fall asleep at the wheel almost every day on my way home in the morning.

Anyways, I loved my school nurse clinical during school and really think it might be a good fit for me. My problem is that everyone I tell this too doesn't seem to understand. One person said, "why go through all that work in nursing school to be a school nurse?? I could do that without any special skills." OR someone else's comment, "Your a new nurse, you want to be put out to pasture so early?" I just don't feel like these people understand how much a school nurse really does. I hate that I don't feel supported in my decision, but Its still what I really want to do. What are your positions on this? Should a new grad go into school nursing so early? (Keep in mind I have worked as a pediatric respiratory therapist for 7 years in an acute care hospital, so I have had my fill of the hospital experience). I guess I'm just looking for support because I have really not found it anywhere else, lol. Thanks guys :)

[Larry3373]

I've never worked as a school nurse, so I can't speak to that, but I would recommend you go for it if it works better for you and yours. I imagine that the pay is not quite so good as working in the hospital. Money isn't everything though. I can relate to the stress of hospital work. I work in a high acuity surgical ICU, and I sometimes dread going to work a little bit, not knowing what to expect. Not sure if you mentioned how long in your current position, but I'm sure many people would advise you to stick it out for a year for the experience, and also so that you don't burn any bridges with potential future employers (since nurse managers talk to each other), but I would do what is best for my peace of mind, and my family.

[Natasha, RN, BSN]

If that is what your heart is calling you to do, do it! :) I myself hope to one day become a school nurse, but right now I cannot financially afford it. Nursing is my second career; I was a teacher for many years prior. I know and have seen the many contributions school nurses have done above and beyond children coming to get meds at lunch, a bandaid for a boo-boo, or the "frequent flyer" just looking to get out of class, lol. Many safety and nutritional programs (and other similar activities) have been implemented by school nurses; they have so much knowledge in this realm to offer! Good luck! :)

[OldDude]

Sounds like with your experience and stage in life, with kids, you'd be a perfect fit; if you can stand the salary reduction. There would always be time to supplement your income during the summer if not....I would leave the nursing field if med/surg was all that was available. The negative comments you hear are all based on ignorance. Being a school nurse requires knowledge, social skills, listening skills, organization skills, etc; but most importantly it requires confidence and the ability to make an independent decision, instantly, under every circumstance imaginable and every circumstance unimaginable.....your school clinic is like a mini ER - and you're the only one staffing it....so, if this sounds appealing to you, I think you should ran toward it as fast as you can!!! Good luck, let us know

[RatherBHiking, BSN, RN]

We've had ICU and ER nurses say school nursing is the hardest job they've ever done and almost all the new school nurses say it's much harder than they ever expected. We've had some leave realizing it's not for them. Sure there's a stigma with school nursing but that's slowly changing. There are all kinds of nurses. I never think to myself oh your JUST an office nurse, health dept nurse, long-term care nurse, case management nurse, whatever. Every nursing job there are a particular set of skills you need to have for that position and we all WORK. So ignore those who are truly ignorant. I do find people get jealous of our time off but I remind them we don't actually get paid for that time off and that's already after a pay cut for almost all of us.

Anyway, I think you already have a lot of medical background but it truly depends on your school district's requirements. Call your local board of education and ask what they are. Ask to get your name on the sub list and how to go about that. Many places hire first from subs first. That's school nurse experience and can give you a leg up even if you can only sub a couple days a month!

School nursing is stressful in its own way and you have to be ready for anything but I find it less tiring and grueling than the floor. I find it very rewarding. Good luck!