I am a first year school nurse at a middle school. I come from a high risk OB labor and delivery background. First off let me say I did labor and delivery almost 8 years and I complained most of the time. I loved the docs, and people I worked with however the corporate side left us often short staffed and scrambling. I was prn at the hospital and worked 1-2 12 hours shifts per week. I also worked prn at a local surgery center doing preop less often and 8 hour shifts.
A school nurse position opportunity arise and I decided to take it. This is a huge job. I feel like even though I did high risk OB and things were life and death, it was a job. This is more of a career, whatever you leave at work continues on to the next day. I'm not sure if it is because its my first year or the actual job, but I'm struggling. I desperately miss the days off during the week that I used to have being prn. I know we get many scheduled breaks, but I feel like I'm always working. I feel a bit selfish that my days off are what I miss most. But maybe I'm not cut out to juggle all of it? I am contemplating going back to my prn job, but is that smart since I left that behind? Being over 40 I feel like the extra benefits are nice such as short term disability ect. (I have health insurance through my husband). Anyway I am rambling on but I just don't know what to do.
I will say my favorite part of my OB job was doing triage. I love getting people in, figuring out what is going on, and moving them on to the appropriate place. I love that it was women's health. I love starting IV's, drawing labs, investigating what is going on. I do not miss the labor part at all. I thought school nursing may be a good fit since I see a variety of people and it would be like a mini triage. A part of me thinks I am just not a content person and maybe I wont like any job. Any advice or thoughts are welcome. I don't know which direction to take and I assume our contract negotiations will be coming soon. That is even added stress that I will have a time limit on deciding. Help!
If I did come back for another year of school nursing, do you feel hospitals will think I've been out of that pace for too long? Will I be of any interest to them?
If I did come back for another year of school nursing, do you feel hospitals will think I've been out of that pace for too long? Will I be of any interest to them?
That's a valid question. You have your BSN and 8 years of experience. I would think 8 or 9 months (by June) would not be viewed negatively. It is not like you have jumped around to 6 different specialties and employers or have less than 3 years experience.
Specializes in School Nursing, Public Health, Home Care.
There are aspects to your job that you may not have encountered yet that were my favorite parts--like a kiddo with a brand new diagnosis (type 1 diabetes for example) that YOU have to figure out how they can navigate and maintain educational time, teaching staff about the students needs, sharing in the student's success. As previously posted, it's not a job for everyone, but one with a big learning curve. Best of luck in your decision.
I need your OB experience! We have a bajillion preggo teachers right now and one nearly delivered at school yesterday. My background is med/surg and hospice. You certainly do not want me delivering your baby! "Go to the light! Go to the light!!" Although, I guess that's good advice if I'm talking to the baby.
I've been at this school nursing thing for 2+ years and it's definitely a change. I miss the clinical experiences for sure but I love the kids, the hugs, the hysterical things they say, all the breaks, and the mostly easygoing, predictable days. As I get "older" I don't picture myself in a hospital setting so much anymore though I do toy with the idea of going back for a bit when my daughter hits high school for one last fling in a specialty area if they'd have me.
I agree that I do miss my weekdays off to myself, for sure. It sure was nice have 3 or 4 days at home alone and getting things done around the house. Working weekdays like a sucker and only being off on weekends with the rest of the world can really stink.
Oh my Goodness this made me giggle!! "Go to the light!" bwahaha works in both situations!
OP: Being a school nurse is a different style of nursing. It is a very humbling and rewarding career choice. I would suggest giving it some time. At least stay until the end of the school year. (no one likes being left hanging with no full time nurse). I for one could not work Long Term Care, or be a med/surg floor nurse. It's just not in my blood. *I will let you in on a little secret. I didn't want to be a school nurse when I did my clinical rotation in the school system. Nearly two years later here I am loving it! I don't see myself doing anything but this! One of my kids asked me why I didn't get my RN so I could work in a hospital. If I decided to go back to school to get my RN,BSN I would still be here doing what I do!!*
Farawyn
12,646 Posts
You are a BOOGER!