New School Nurse as LVN

[CaliNurseJen]

Hi all! I just got my first job as an elementary school nurse and I've got to say I'm very nervous and excited. As a new grad nurse (LVN), I feel like I've learned everything there is to know. I've worked in the hospital for four years as a CPT and Lab assistant. However, I know working as a school nurse will be very different. I never thought my first nurse job would be as a school nurse but here I am! If there are any school nurses out there that can give me some advice or share your learning experiences as a school nurse that would be great. 

*Please be respectful I am here looking for support and good advice that I can apply to my new job*

Thank you!

[londonflo]

beachynurse said:

I am not going to take the time I do not have in order to go before a hostile School Board that is trying to lose the RN's as school nurses and go to LPN's. They were not supportive of us during COVID, and didn't care when we lost 27 nurses and assistants at one time because of their lack of support.

I apologize if you never go before the authorities to provide specifics as to your achievements. Hopefully your successor will have better luck

 A defeatist attitude brings defeat. 

londonflo said:

When in meetings, and they call on you, do you say my health professional report shows our 'health report" of absences at _____ percent, vaccination rates at _____  percent etc.

 

beachynurse said:

. Utilize this forum for advice, concerns, anything. Everyone is super helpful and supportive. You are welcome to reach out to me if you need any advice. I have mentored many a new nurse in my division. Best of luck! 

I did as you asked. 

[beachynurse, ASN, BSN]

londonflo said:

I apologize if you never go before the authorities to provide specifics as to your achievements. Hopefully your successor will have better luck

 A defeatist attitude brings defeat. 

 

I did as you asked. 

Sigh, just let it rest.... and I don't recall you asking for advice. You commented just to be critical, and that is NOT supportive. Again, you have no idea what the terminology is in every state and or school division. Please keep any further comments to yourself. 

[londonflo]

beachynurse said:

Sigh, just let it rest..

That doesn't change the status quo. But  you are complacent with things as. they are. I have been there. Terminology  and responsibilities, actions and impact are  of great importance when salaries are graded and decided. But I am glad you have devoted 38 years  and provided a springboard to the next generation.

Since you are retiring and have a following for future school nurses,  I wanted to interject what can or not be done with a nursing role.....planting a seed that you planted. (I work at a Boys and Girls Club and after you deal with the injuries from fights,  you will experience children/teenagers coming to you for mental illness,  family isolation ,family confusion with violence,  STD advice and so many concerns.)

 

No more comments. The dichotomy has been said. I am only trying show the impact on our profession  in school for future generations.

  

 

[londonflo]

Nurse Trini said:

main nurse, but they would hire me as the discipline office nurse

So glad to see NURSE in the role.! When positions are 'graded' by Human Resources, the educational requirements, and the ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES are figured  into it go into the decided salary.  (These need to be written by you... your salary, role and position in the decision making of the school depends on it.)  Your professional role is based on your job description. Go for it! What do you plan, do,  anticipate you will do every day. What health promotion activities that your school board can boast about do you do....You cannot do this in a day/week/month but put it your long range plan. Covid actually highlighted the pubic health role in schools BSN nurses can digest research articles and come to conclusions.  Now is your chance to effect a higher profile. The basketball coach boasts about their winning record. Every sport does. Should you be quiet? 

  I riled some feathers here by talking about how we. as nursing professionals, licensed RN health providers,  can enhance the role with promoting health among students with wellness programs/bulletin boards, health promotion activities and more. 

When RNs' do not defend their role, pretty soon there will be CNAs, taking temperatures and calling parents to pick up their children. 

Yes I work at a Boys and Girl's club and got the salary raised by delineating the value of what I provide. 

[nick007]

How has the experience been? I have been an LVN for over a year now and my first job was a school nurse. It has been a great experience for me.