Just wanted to introduce myself. I have been a nurse for 18 years. I have worked hospital nursing for 4 years, then public health for 14 years before deciding to take a job for my county office of education as one of their 3 school nurses. We have several medically fragile classrooms, a few behavioral/mental health classes, and 3 large community schools. We also help with a few of the "smalls" with screenings, etc. We also have one deaf and hard of hearing school. For a new school nurse that has to go back to school for a credential, learn care plans for special education, learn Ed codes and stuff, it is a lot. Some days I feel overwhelmed, some days it is wonderful. Any way, just wanted to say hi. 0 Likes
GmaPearl BSN RN 282 Posts Jan 23, 2016 Welcome to our crazy world! I think public health and school nursing are first cousins. There is a definite uniqueness to our job and a bit of a learning curve, but you are way ahead of someone who comes in with only hospital experience. This is a great place to hang out and learn and share because we "get it". 0 Likes
Eleven011 Specializes in Home Health,Dialysis, MDS, School Nurse. Has 20+ years experience. 1,235 Posts Jan 23, 2016 Welcome to our corner of the world :) I'm fairly new too, just started this august, so I'm learning stuff every day. It's quiet in here on the weekends, but stop back in on Monday and it'll get rolling! 0 Likes
MrNurse(x2), ADN Specializes in IMC, school nursing. Has 28 years experience. 1 Article; 2,558 Posts Jan 25, 2016 These nurses bring a wealth of knowledge. Learning so much from them. Welcome. 0 Likes
Cattz, ADN Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles.. Has 36 years experience. 1,022 Posts Jan 25, 2016 goldilocks-- Yaaaay!! So glad to have a new friend to hang out with us!! Welcome to our playground!!! 0 Likes
NutmeggeRN, BSN Specializes in kids. Has 39 years experience. 8 Articles; 4,525 Posts Jan 26, 2016 Yup, we are the way cool kids! 0 Likes
kidzcare Has 5 years experience. 3,393 Posts Jan 26, 2016 Yup, we are the way cool kids!Darn skippy! 0 Likes
cdgoldilocks 20 Posts Feb 1, 2016 Thank you for the warm welcome. I am happy to see such an active group. I must say, there are some days I think I have finally found what I have wanted to do. Then there are other days when I feel like I'm not sure I can juggle it all. There is a lot of autonomy, and with it a lot of responsibility. Some things are so restrictive, and some things are as "clear as mud". LOL. My latest example: Epi pens and the California Senate Bill 1266. Some funny things. I found a staff first aid kit in the break room with Latex gloves in it, eye wash with an expiration date of 1999, and a pack of aspirin expired in 1996. Some annoying things:Our county can give out nothing except sunblock. No lotion, no Chapstick, just sunblock. And peppermints. They are candy. Also, going back to school to get a credential in school nursing. Not cheap. So far I have spent $$ on an audiometry class, and now am enrolled in a Special Ed class that will cost about $1100 after books and materials. For 3 units. Ugh. I keep saying it will all be worth it to do something I enjoy, and education is never a waste.....Anyway, thanks for the vent and I am so happy to have found you! 0 Likes
Cattz, ADN Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles.. Has 36 years experience. 1,022 Posts Feb 1, 2016 Some funny things. I found a staff first aid kit in the break room with Latex gloves in it, eye wash with an expiration date of 1999, and a pack of aspirin expired in 1996. Thanks- This cracked me up! Soooo true, I am sure we have all found the lost treasure in the first aid kits of old. Yet, another episode of fun that only "we" can appreciate :) 0 Likes
rbytsdy 350 Posts Feb 2, 2016 Welcome! It's a wealth of knowledge and camaraderie here. :)Thank you for the warm welcome. I am happy to see such an active group. I must say, there are some days I think I have finally found what I have wanted to do. Then there are other days when I feel like I'm not sure I can juggle it all. There is a lot of autonomy, and with it a lot of responsibility. Some things are so restrictive, and some things are as "clear as mud". LOL. My latest example: Epi pens and the California Senate Bill 1266. Some funny things. I found a staff first aid kit in the break room with Latex gloves in it, eye wash with an expiration date of 1999, and a pack of aspirin expired in 1996. a gem from a first aid kit I found in my office when I started 2 years ago. Oh yes. It's an EpiStick. Edited Feb 2, 2016 by rbytsdy 0 Likes
cdgoldilocks 20 Posts Feb 2, 2016 Wow an Epistick. LOL. Oh, I love the keepsake picture. I took some too. LOLOL.http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/ac217/cdgoldilocks/IMG_0027_zpsj4ieut2c.jpgSorry it is huge. 0 Likes
