New job, really need advice:)

[beccanurse]

Hi,

I am a RN/BSN & just started a job at a private school that is 1st-12th grade (800 students). Part of my job is to teach 4 classes a day in high-school sciences. I am feeling totally overwhelmed with being a new school nurse & teaching 4 advanced sciences. When I spoke with the principal about my feelings, she said that basically I was making the nursing role more than it should be & I should just use the time I have to pass meds, check immunization records, & be on call for emergencies. I feel like there is alot that I should be doing besides that based on my state's school nurse practice, but I'm not sure what applies for private schools? We have 6 diabetics, dozens of kids with epi-pens & a myriad of other issues that I feel I'm not able to monitor since I'm in the classroom most of the day. Has anyone every been in a similar situation? Is there anywhere I can find rules for private school nurses? My main concern is my liability of something does go wrong while I'm in the classroom.

[beccanurse]

Thanks so much for your advice!

When I originally agreed to the job, I was told that my duties would be split 50/50 between the teaching & the nursing. That turned out not to be the case.

I am allowed to have an unlicensed medication assistant. I have to give her 12 CEs a year & test her. I've already done that & keep it on file in case of audit. So far, I've given all of my prescription meds, but she has on occasion given an OTC.

I am following the public school RN mandates for my state, even the screenings. It has taken all of my spare time, but I'm doing it. I do my planning for the classes on the weekends & evenings. It is ALL I do on the weekends & evenings! That gives me more time during the day to focus on the nursing.

I feel obligated to stay for several reasons. One is that I signed a contract that doesn't end until next August. Secondly, I moved my kids to the school when I took the job. I think I can make it through this year. I won't sign on to do this again next year though:) It has been way more than I bargained for.

[Guest717236]

You need to find out what other private schools that are similar to yours in

your state and network with the nurses there to get a clear picture

of how they manage many of the issues that you are concerned about.

Additionally, be aware that some areas have associations for

health services at private schools to network, including having

meetings, ceu offering etc.

You are not alone, you just need to find where your resources are...

and researching what private schools are in your area is a place to

start..

Practice safely, check with a public school nurse for their requirements.

Then, ask the state for clarification of if there is any difference

for private schools. For example, if the school nurse at the public

school must do hearing tests, in a private setting it may be

contracted out (parents pay for test). That is one example of the

difference between public and private settings...