New School Nurse

Hi,

I am a new nurse that started out in a rehab facility and then as a school nurse. Your med/surge and hospital experience will help you a lot as a school nurse, because you will have more knowledge of medical conditions and emergency care. In school nursing you have more autonomy than as a bedside nurse, as you are the (usually) sole healthcare staff in the school/schools/district. That has its ups and downs. Mostly ups if you are working with nice people. Things in general move more slowly as compared to bedside nursing, but there are days that are non-stop in school nursing too. I have enjoyed it a lot and hopefully you will too.

I recommend you seek out a mentor from your district or a neighboring one. Join your state association as well as NASN (National Association of School Nurse). Read up on your states NPA, Immunization rules and district policies. If you can, ask for an orientation. Learn where your AEDs are, Make friends with the secretary and the facilities staff! Connect with guidance!

Good Luck and reach out, we are here to help!

On 6/7/2022 at 4:15 PM, Frekledan said:

What is the transition like from bedside to school RN?  

in terms of money...pretty costly!

on the other hand there are other trade-offs to be considered (time off, schedule, etc.)

2 hours ago, sleepwalker said:

in terms of money...pretty costly!

on the other hand there are other trade-offs to be considered (time off, schedule, etc.)

In general yes but there are some districts/organizations that pay school nurses more and your experience will also likely mean you will be paid higher than others.