New school nurse here!

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Hi,

I just got what I think will be a great job for me as a school nurse! I have only been a nurse for a short time < 1 year, but before I went back to school to become a nurse I was a substitute educational assistant and worked in a variety of schools and classrooms (K-5), and before that I was an office manager. I have kids who are both in high school now and I've been an active school volunteer for 18 years. My nursing work experience has been working with medically fragile children in their homes (mostly night shifts, but some days as well). So, I'm comfortable working with kids.

Given all that - what does a school nurses day look like? I imagine case management - but our district really used health aids most of the time (ex: elementary school nurse was only there on Fridays) until securing funding due to covid bringing awareness to the value of school nurses.

Advice? I will begin orientation/training starting in August. OMgosh - I'm so excited!

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Specializes in kids.

Welcome!! One of us! This board is pretty quiet in the Summer. Try to spend some time familiarizing yourself with your state immunization rules. Read up on common medical issues seen in school, Asthma, need for epipens, G tube feeds, Ehlers Danlos, concussions, the list is endless!

You can search any number of topics up top. Join both your state association and NASN. Invaluable sources of support and education.

Mental health issue are often seen first in the health office as well.

Good Luck!!

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Welcome aboard!  Since you have experience in schools, you're already a step head since you know the dynamics of teachers and support staff.  One of the things I had trouble with is being called "Mrs. Lifelonglearner" by everyone and not by my first name!  

The day in the life of the school clinic usually includes multiple children with ADHD medication, a flow of complaints from 'my stomach hurts' to 'headaches', to 'my mom told me if I didn't feel good to come see you'... 

First think you should do is print a list of children with chronic health conditions and create a plan for those students. Get all necessary orders and medications as soon as you can. This usually includes emeds and emergency plans for your kid's with seizures, food allergies, and asthma. 

You'll also want to make sure all immunizations are recorded and updated (that's an ongoing thing). 

Good luck! 

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Specializes in School LPN.

I'm excited to be starting as a nurse in a school setting as well.   My predecessor in the office position has been a great help with email and phone support about my startup anxiety (she left on maternity and isn't coming back).    She told me about this web site and said it was a great place to pick up tips, so I am here!

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Specializes in kids.

Welcome!! We are by far, the NICEST thread!! Lots of us here to support you! Join your state association and NASN!

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Specializes in Intensive Care.

I'm new, too! My background is 10 years as a chiropractor (had to quit due to back and wrist issues- ironic, I know), 2.5 years hospital nursing (medsurg and step-down ICU), parent of two teens, much school volunteering.

At first, I was so excited to get chosen for the job. I was hired in June, but start in August. I asked if I could come in and get a feel for the current routine (they haven't had a on-site RN for over 13 years), but the school year was coming to a close and I got brushed off. I think the HR people were hesitant to bring me in without pay and/or to start my contract and benefits three months early.

Over the past weeks, I attended the virtual NASN conference, reviewed the NASN forums (some, not all) and check in here from time-to-time. I have to admit, my anxiety is building- I just hope that they haven't set early expectations too high. I also have to protect my license and I assume that I am liable for EVERYTHING for 1200 kids in 3 schools from day one.

I will be consulting with my state (Oregon) organization as well as our school health officials at the state level. I have and will continue to review the nurse practice act for my state and Covid mandates, 504 and IDEA, FERPA, emergency protocols, etc.

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6 minutes ago, DCtoRN said:

I'm new, too! My background is 10 years as a chiropractor (had to quit due to back and wrist issues- ironic, I know), 2.5 years hospital nursing (medsurg and step-down ICU), parent of two teens, much school volunteering.

At first, I was so excited to get chosen for the job. I was hired in June, but start in August. I asked if I could come in and get a feel for the current routine (they haven't had a on-site RN for over 13 years), but the school year was coming to a close and I got brushed off. I think the HR people were hesitant to bring me in without pay and/or to start my contract and benefits three months early.

Over the past weeks, I attended the virtual NASN conference, reviewed the NASN forums (some, not all) and check in here from time-to-time. I have to admit, my anxiety is building- I just hope that they haven't set early expectations too high. I also have to protect my license and I assume that I am liable for EVERYTHING for 1200 kids in 3 schools from day one.

I will be consulting with my state (Oregon) organization as well as our school health officials at the state level. I have and will continue to review the nurse practice act for my state and Covid mandates, 504 and IDEA, FERPA, emergency protocols, etc.

Wow, I got hired at the very end of June, so the schools were all closed and I've been working on my last class for my BSN. Long story short - I've done very little to prepare for being a school nurse other than pick up a new patient who is more medically complex than my previous patient - I'm currently a private duty peds nurse. I plan on reviewing common health issues with kids as well as the immunization information but...

I haven't been given my school yet, so I can't really do any research specific to that respect - like elementary, middle school, or high school - no clue. I'm comfortable working with all those ages but I imagine the focus and activities that a high school nurse handles is quite different than an elementary school nurse! I'm thinking fights, drugs, pregnancy vs stomach aches and ADHD meds - this is just from my experience working at the elementary schools and volunteer experience in the upper grades.

This is just me guessing, but you are maybe overwhelming yourself with information. When you interviewed, they were aware of your work history - they have your resume, so they know they will need to provide you with training - at least, that's what my Education Service District interviewers told me. I'm in Oregon too...

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21 minutes ago, DCtoRN said:

l be consulting with my state (Oregon) organization as well as our school health officials at the state level. I have and will continue to review the nurse practice act for my state and Covid mandates, 504 and IDEA, FERPA, emergency protocols, etc.

The Oregon nurse practice act - division 45 - I have looked at a lot because of the BSN capstone project I'm working on. I'm going to say delegating to a UAP, plus the usual care planning, standards of practice, and cultural responsiveness. 

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Specializes in Intensive Care.

You’re right- I’m sure I’m overthinking it. I have a talent for that.

I am friends with two of the principals I’ll be working for. I will probably connect with them before Summer’s over, to pick their brains. 
 

Im grateful to be starting this year and not last year!

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