New School Nurse... help!

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Specializes in nicu, internal medicine.

to WatsonRN &Blackscrubs:

I was also recently hired for school nurse in Tx (RioGrandeValley). This is a new experience for me and I have not gone to an orientation yet. I am to work in an elementary. I am nervous:eek:, and I want as much information as I can get my hands on to make the transition a little smoother. Any advice,suggestions or sites are sooo appreciated.

Thanx,

cruzcontrol:nurse:

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Specializes in School Nursing, Ambulatory Care, etc..

Welcome!

I've been a school nurse here in Texas for two years (going into my 3rd year). As I said to another poster, I have found so much support, laughter, advice, etc here at allnurses. Also, I have a great boss and fellow nurses in my district who are all happy to answer any questions for me. It's okay and completely normal to feel like you don't know what you're doing, no matter how great a nurse you are.

As far as immunizations go, we have access to MetroHealth data base here in San Antonio, will you have access to something like that there? What about Immtrak, the state data base for immunizations? One of the most confusing things is immunizations, get your hands on the state requirements and study those, that way when you look at a shot record you will be able to at least give a prelim "yes" or "no" as to if they can come in or not. Remember, no shots, no school, NO KIDDING! You are the person that is the gate keeper at your school on this matter, be on top of that game. Another big issues in school is medication administration. Make sure you know your district's policy on Rx and OTC (inc herbals, tylenol, antihistimine, etc) administration from the start! The first time a parent wants you to give a med - any med - without a doctor's order so NO! Yes, the school is a different setting, but you are still a nurse and still must answer to the BON!

Ok, I think I've overwhelmed you enough for now. Keep me posted and let me know how it goes!

sara

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Specializes in nicu, internal medicine.

Thank you Ms. Sara.:yeah:

I will go over immunizations, I have not gone to orientation yet (in 2wks )and don't know what type of database is available. I will keep you posted on my progress.

Susie

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Sara,

Email me sometime! I am a new school nurse here in TX as well. I have state req for immunizations, but I have been looking for my distrcits policy on meds and have NO idea where to look! (and noone seems to know where to tell me either!) [email protected]

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Specializes in School Nursing, Public Health, Home Care.

Your school district should have a web site. Under a heading similar to "school board" you should find "school district policies" and there is usually a section titled "student policies" and that's where you might find what you are looking for. The policies in my district that impact nursing are use of medications, emergency nursing procedures, communicable disease, student absence.

hope this helps

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Brush up on common childhood diseases/illnesses/conditions such as head lice, ringworm, scabies, pinkeye, etc and know the exclusion policies/treatment recommendations. Become familiar with immunizations that are not only required but also recommended for children to attend school. Research the state and federal laws regarding confidentiality of student records. Good Luck!

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Specializes in school nursing.

Welcome to School Nursing! The best job in the world! I am going into my 5th year as a school nurse. I have worked at middle school and elementary schools as well as mentoring new nurses in my district. My advice:.

1. If ever in doubt about when to call a parent, make a referral, send home, etc. just do it! Your instinct is usually right.

2. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

3. Don't let your staff / administrator bully you into something that is against school policy, the Nurse Practice Act, etc. Yes, this WILL happen.

4. Your first priority is to remove medical barriers to learning and keep kids in class. This means every kid DOES NOT need to go home for every ailment. It also means that sometimes you have to spend a lot of time getting to the bottom of a kid's problem and finding them needed services. You are an advocate.

5. Do a lot of staff / parent teaching up front. "Lice do not fly around the room hopping from head to head."

6. Cheeto dust on fingers is a big clue! Can be a cause of that tummyache or even that "pink eye" teacher does not want to be near! Yes, I have seen cheeto conjunctivitis and it is not contagious!

7. 1-2 cases of pediculosis does not warrant the entire school to be screened. If you are not careful, you will spend the entire school year doing nothing else except checking heads and still end up with those 1-2 cases you originally started with.

8. since you are in Texas like me, utilize this site. It has helped me a ton

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/schoolhealth/practitioners.shtm

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Specializes in School Nursing.
Yes, I have seen cheeto conjunctivitis and it is not contagious!

Anyone know how to get Diet Dr. Pepper out of a computer keyboard? This post should have come with a warning label! :)

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Hello to all,

I am a brand new school nurse, my first day was yesterday. All your postings have truly shed some light. Thank you SchoolNurse BSN for posting the website, I am going to be reviewing it very closely. I have a question for all of you. Are any of you familiar with carb counting for an insulin dependent child. Carb counting is particularly new to me and I am trying to understand it, but not quite getting a full understanding. Any help with an explanation of the formulas would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

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Try this resource: http://www.schoolnursenews.org/BackIssues/2008/0908/diabetes0908.pdf

Also, the National Association of School Nurses provides an all day workshop for school nurses who care for students with diabetes. See if there is one scheduled in your area: IMPak - Calendar of Events

There are quite a few scheduled for New Jersey in the next 2 onths. If you want HANDS to come to your area, http://www.nasn.org/Default.aspx?tabid=411

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