Hi, I'm a new school nurse who recently got hired for the second semester of the school year. I am just wondering what you do on a daily basis? So far, since I started, I've only gotten 3 students total who have paid me a visit. Nothing too serious. My job is pretty much basic first aid and CPR. I'd just like to know what I should get done right away, how to decorate my office, what things I should look at, you know? I'd like to be a great school nurse and I just feel lost right now. Also, when I came into my office, there was NOTHING in here.. maybe a few bandaids, Tylenol, eye wash, and tums so I already put in my order for things I may need. Give me some good ideas to add some color to my dull office :) plus I'd like to meet some new friends who are also school nurses!
*Review health and immunization requirements for your State-Just so you know them.
*Review Confidential health lists by grade. (Lists health issues and interventions per student, grouped by grade level.)
*Inventory supplies-order as needed.
* Run compliance reports for physicals and immunizations if not done already.
*Make sure you have a food allergy list/epi pen list.
*Review daily and PRN med book.
*Familiarize yourself with charting method, especially if electronic.
*Each year you will do vision and hearing screenings on certain grade levels. here in NY, elementary screenings are done in K,2, 4 and all new students.
Daily, plan for med administration, see students on a scheduled and prn basis. Make sure you have ice packs.
Sanitize work areas.
I like to use a paper visit log so I don't forget seeing a student. Esp. if it gets busy.
Yes to everything said. Also, gym excuses, elevator and buddy passes, bedside tutoring, health histories for referred students, IHP and IEHP updates, staff training (blood borne pathogen, CPR, epi, glucagon etc) and any community fundraising (wear red, dress down etc.) Good luck!!
I'll chip in somethings I've learned from this group - they usually DO NOT loan out your school emergency wheelchair and/or spare crutches to students. For a single quick emergency transport of students, staff, visitors, etc, whch use is appropriate. But special equip should be ordered & provided by the MD, not you. Liability issue. And most certainly, not because someone's shoes are too tight!
And don't get suckered into becoming the substitute MD for your office/teacher staff. Like they're using you to avoid paying for an MD office visit. You're not the MD and you have to go to your own doc & pay when you need to - so should they. You'll learn when it's OK and for whom.
Yeah, I did LTC and I know it's not the office routines that you seek, but just pearls of wisdom that I pass on. I just love reading the stuff these folk handle. But not all is fun & games, and I am thankful that there are nurses who do handle the serious issues for the kiddos. My chance to say 'hats off to them'!
OD, I bet you are the most humble person you know, right?
NutmeggeRN, BSN
2 Articles; 4,743 Posts
Oh the things we do....
scrape poop off shoes
ensure kids get showered, dressed and fed
provide a safe place
check in with families
lice checks LOL!
oh you meant related to actual school nursing?
review your charts
make a list of high risk kids; seizure, anaphylaxis, diabetics
make sure you have care plans and doctors orders for what may happen in school
review your district policy and procedures
check you district or state policy on height weight and scoli screens
vision and hearing on SpEd kids
make friends with guidance counselors, your PTA, the front desk person and really learn to appreciate your custodial staff!~!!!
Welcome and let us know if you need anything!