I will be working as a school nurse after the new year! My time as a hospital float will be coming to an end in the next few weeks - not soon enough either - and I'm excited to have found a position in a division of nursing I've been wanting to give a go. While I've worked with kids and teens quite a bit, I haven't done pediatric nursing except those times I floated to the ER.
I'm sure it's been asked, but what did you do to ready yourself. I'm sure there's a learning curve and some baptism by fire involved, but any advice/help I can hear is great. I've been reading through some threads and must say that you've all made me feel like I am making the right decision.
I began working at the start of the year, and so far so good. Always learning something, getting good tips from other nurses (all of them pounding into me to not get taken advantage of, lol). Still on my honeymoon of not being in the hospital and very aware of that. I still read a lot here even though I'm not posting and it really helps.
Welcome! I'm new as a school nurse this year too (started in the fall). I think you've gotten some great advice here. I'll add +1 for remembering that the teachers have NO medical training - I love them, but in some cases I would add "and no common sense." Mine made urgent radio calls for a tiny spot of blood on a kid's shirt (where he had a pimple on his chest), and yet were strangely unconcerned about an unwitnessed loss of consciousness with possible head injury. ("Really? 911? But he looks fine"). But as I'm developing relationships, I get more and more acceptance when I say, "yes, this is what needs to be done, trust me."
When I feel misunderstood, I try to remember that teachers are under guidelines, expectations, and pressures that I don't understand either. And honestly I wouldn't last 10 minutes trying to do their job.
The kids are great. My inner remnant of an ED nurse sometimes rolls her eyes through the "urgent" paper cuts and the questionable "vomiting" and the never-ending requests for ice packs and Ace bandages. Most of 'em, teachers and kids, don't know what sick is. You know what, I say to my inner ED nurse, that's not boring - it's wonderful! And please universe, may they never have to know ?It's really cool to become a part of everyday life in the community, rather than seeing people on the worst days of their lives.
I began working at the start of the year, and so far so good. Always learning something, getting good tips from other nurses (all of them pounding into me to not get taken advantage of, lol). Still on my honeymoon of not being in the hospital and very aware of that. I still read a lot here even though I'm not posting and it really helps.
So glad things are starting off well! Don't be too surprised if you start getting frustrated by some things. Working in a school is much different than a hospital, where pretty much everyone thinks like you. It takes a couple years to really get in the groove and get used to the way things are done in the education system.
Best of luck and let us know if you have any specific questions!
ChristmasNurse
47 Posts
Hello Everyone,
I began working at the start of the year, and so far so good. Always learning something, getting good tips from other nurses (all of them pounding into me to not get taken advantage of, lol). Still on my honeymoon of not being in the hospital and very aware of that. I still read a lot here even though I'm not posting and it really helps.