New school nurse

Specialties School

Published

I come from a pediatric, psych, and home care background, about 15 years worth. I was out of work for many years and then started subbing Feb 2014. Love it.

I decided to take a part time school nurse position at another high school this year. I work 2 days a week, one day by myself and the other day with my co-nurse. The school is only starting it's third year.

I just finished my second week and I am overwhelmed. Our students come from many different schools since we are a charter school.

I am doing OK from a clinical standpoint. I love the students and my fellow nurse. But, I am lost in regards to the process with the paperwork, what is needed, where it goes, what to do with it, etc. As a sub, I didn't deal with any of this usually. Just trying to figure out how to follow up with staff, etc is a challenge.

We are not electronic (my sub schools are) and half the time I am struggling through paperwork to get info on a new freshman.

I'm just wondering if something similar has happened to you when you first became a school nurse and any suggestions?

Specializes in kids.

It takes time! You Will find your own rhythm. Focus on the priorities for your job. For me, it is immunization status. Then I work on identifying students with specific health needs like diabetes allergic reactions requiring an EpiPen etc. The next thing that I worry about are sports physicals for athletes, I work in high school. Just try to go slow and methodically and you will find what works best for you. Something that work for other nurses will work for you, some things won't work for you. Best wishes to you.

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