New Grad and School Nursing

bluepenguin · Aug 3, 2006

Hey,

Ok so I don't really have any advice, but more of a story that I hope will keep you encouraged.

I am a new nurse as well (graduated in Feb. 06). I applied to pretty much every job out there including school nursing (which was my true top choice, I had done my community clinical with a school nurse and loved the teaching, the getting to know the students, the teachers, the whole enviroment). I figured and was told by most that schools wouldn't hire me because I was new. Well the were right, at first. I started working in peds as a floor nurse. It was ok, and I figured I could do it for a year or two and then try to move on. But just about a month and a half ago I got a call from a new school opening up and they wanted to interview me for school nurse position. I was so excited when I found out that I got the job. They said eventhough I was new they liked my energy and felt that alot of the more experienced nurses they had interviewed just wanted to get out the hospital but still bring home a good paychech, they didn't feel thay really were a good fit. They liked the fact that I had been an emt and a beach lifeguard because I had a lot of experience dealing with some pretty sever emergency situations. There are still nurses who think I'm crazy for taking the job cause, "it will be boring" or "you're too young" or "you don't have have any real life experience". But still there are others who say they think I'll be great and that I have wonderful assessment skills and such. Its just like anything else in life, people have opinions but in the end it comes down to your choice and knowing what is best for you and your patients whatever setting it is you end up in. So I think its worth a shot for you if you think school nursing would suit you. It's almost school time and I'm not sure how many places would be hiring, but try anyway. And look in the winter in spring, because that's when they post them if they know their current nurse is leaving at the end of the year. Its beeter for you and your patients if you are happy and loving your job.

So like I said, not much advice, but I hope it encourages you to not get frustrated with the process or with what people say. Good luck!:penguin:

P.S. "RN TOOBEE" you need to change that to Miss R.N. or something. Congrats on passing the boards!!

Wellness RN · Aug 4, 2006

Dear Bluepenguin,

You are so sweet to take the time to write about your experience. I think it's great that you got that job. You were very encouraging and I need to follow my heart. I really apprieciate your advice. I am now going to change my name.!!! LOL

Formally known as "RN TOOBEE"

michigooseBSN · Aug 4, 2006

I notice you are not a very young new grad. Does this mean you are a mother? I have been an RN since the 60s but I've also been a mother (and now grandmother) just as long. I find (in my 7th year as a full time school nurse after many years of hospital med-surg nursing) that my mother instinct and experience is a huge help to my clinical nursing skills. Good luck !

ittybittybabynurse · Aug 23, 2006

I have been wondering the same thing. I will graduate with my BSN in May and I already know I do not like acute care. I did an FT intership in the step-down unit this summer, and though I learned tons, I just don't like the hospital. I have also worked as a CNA for a year on a Med-Surg unit. Liked that even less. I have always been interested in community (have a previous degree in psych & sociology). I would love to be a school nurse, if not, then to work someplace in community nursing. I think that is more my "thing." The health department does hire BSN educated RN's for schol nurses right from school, but I wondered if that would be good for me as a new grad. The thought of having to work in the hospital does not make me excited about becoming a nurse.

glenwood · Aug 31, 2006

Being a new graduate shouldn't make much difference in school nursing. If you can get hired do it. But better to stay for a year on a rehab or med/surg job if you can put up with it. Most school nurse jobs don't pay very well. Home health care actually pays better and it is much more pleasant than a hospital. You also don't have the crazy presures of angry parents and kids who just want to get out of class to contend with.Butto get hired into home health care you need acute care or nursing home experience in most cases. Remember your first year as a new grad is always really stressfull.