New to School Nursing

[jenny966]

I am a RN (adn) with 6 years adult hospital experience in most fields (I was a float nurse). It was presented to me by a friend that is a school Nurse that a position is available in a another district. I have always wanted to be a school Nurse, so I told her I was interested. She recommended me to the principal & told me the school in need. It happens to be the same school my child will be attending next fall for kg. Once I mentioned that, my friend informed me that they are hesitant to even interview me because the current nurse there also has a child at the school & they are making her move schools due to her constant class interruptions, gossip with parents, etc. She begged them to at least give me an interview. So the principal asked I email me resume & a little about my experience, so I did. She said she'd email me in few weeks for an interview. However, I feel I have little to no chance at landing this job now because not only do I not have pediatric experience, but my son will be going there. Should I even interview at this point? I mean I want the job, but if I don't get it for the obvious reason, I feel it will be a bit awkward seeing them when I go to school for my child. Or, any pointers for me to convince her that I will be different than the current nurse? I just don't know how to go about it now. I work for the VA now and make GREAT money & benefits, but I'm truly not happy anymore with my job. But, I only work 3 days a week, 12 hour shifts so I know 5 days a week will be an adjustment. Advice????

[jenny966]

I guess my question is, how can I convince the principal to hire me even though my kid is going there. How can I get her to know that I will not make issues in my child's class, etc.. Should I just forget the whole thing?

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

thread moved for best response

[Eleven011]

Sorry that the current nurse has made it seem like having your child at your school is a drawback. Hard for me to understand as I bet 80% of our staff have or have had kids going to our school. I have 3 myself. It isn't seen as a negative at all in the hiring process. But then I haven't seen anyone abuse it like the nurse you are talking about. My only advice is to reassure them that you are a professional and will act accordingly.

[OldDude]

It's actually a benefit for the school to have your child attend. It completely eliminates a demand on you to deliver and pick him/her up from another school. It allows you to devote more of your time and attention to that campus. Otherwise just tell them you are schooled in privacy issues, FERPA, and the like, and you can't imagine there would be nothing but courteous and professional interaction. Definitely push forward with the confidence and expectation you'll get the nod! Good Luck.