New to school nursing

Published

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.

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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".

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Specializes in Home Health,Dialysis, MDS, School Nurse.

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!

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Welcome! We are here for you!

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Specializes in IMC, school nursing.

These nurses bring a wealth of knowledge. Learning so much from them. Welcome.

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..

goldilocks-- Yaaaay!! So glad to have a new friend to hang out with us!! Welcome to our playground!!! :D

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Specializes in kids.

Yup, we are the way cool kids!

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Yup, we are the way cool kids!

Darn skippy!

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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!

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..

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 :)

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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.

attachment.php?attachmentid=20860&stc=1

Oh yes. It's an EpiStick.

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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.jpg

Sorry it is huge.

IMG_0027_zpsj4ieut2c.jpg

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