New to subbing

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I am pretty new to trying school nursing. I have shadowed a nurse on my own time, no training available. It is a little overwhelming to walk into a clinic run by someone else and figure it out as you go. But that is kinda whats expected...

It is overwhelming. I feel I will be good at it, but am scared of making a mistake. Any tips? I've been doing research on insulin pumps, and carb counts. Some students have worksheets that you have to go thru to figure out how much insulin they get. I've been a nurse for a long time, but honestly haven't dealt much with the pumps and carb counts. I'm used to the sliding scale and a second set of eyes to make sure I drew up the right amnt. Any resources you can think of? I've googled and youtubed...

I'm not so nervous about the clinic visits, its the diabetics I'm fixated on.

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I really don't have any resources to use but I just wanted to say the one thing I did when I was subbing was call the nurse I was subbing for and specifically ask if there was anything I need to know about. I always asked if there were diabetics and how they are treated during the day, getting all the nitty gritty details if possible - I also asked about any other special procedures - nothing like showing up to sub and find out you need to cath a kid when you haven't cathed a kid in years ?

Good Luck!

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Although some parent scan be less than friendly, I always recommend calling the parent and just saying, "Hey, I'm a sub today and although I read the paperwork for your child, I know that every diabetic is unique and I just wanted to touch base with you to confirm, since you're the expert on your child's trends."

Also, welcome welcome! ONE OF US! ONE OF US! ?

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Is there a "Sub Binder" somewhere in your offie? In our district, each of the nurses is responsible for maintaining a binder with all the information a sub might need. This includes any special medical cases. It is still a very sharp learning curve, but the information definitely helps.

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Specializes in School nursing.
24 minutes ago, MHDNURSE said:

Is there a "Sub Binder" somewhere in your offie? In our district, each of the nurses is responsible for maintaining a binder with all the information a sub might need. This includes any special medical cases. It is still a very sharp learning curve, but the information definitely helps.

This. I have one for subs. I also create a med cheat sheet - I include every diabetic student's need to know orders (sliding scale, carb counting, ratios, etc).

I also include a "students to be aware of section" and my cell number. I don't mind a text from a sub if needed.

But the person that has taught the most about insulin pumps - the kid wearing it! Kids are sponges and even the younger ones can soak up so much if they are learning from a good diabetes educator. But don't be afraid to connect with their parent. Most parents are just great.

Do you have access to computer charting? You can also explore that to see what the student's numbers have been in previous visits.

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Specializes in pediatrics, school nursing.
6 minutes ago, MHDNURSE said:

Is there a "Sub Binder" somewhere in your offie? In our district, each of the nurses is responsible for maintaining a binder with all the information a sub might need. This includes any special medical cases. It is still a very sharp learning curve, but the information definitely helps.

Our district also uses a sub binder and it is standardized across the district, which makes it easy for our subs to go from one school to the next and know where to find ; Our county's School Nurse Collaborative is considering standardizing for all public schools in the county and trying to organize a county-wide per-diem pool, sort of like an agency.

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Thank you for the responses.

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

Just like on the floor, every day is a new day.

There should be someone you can call (maybe a buddy nurse?) The only experience I have is working summer school and I went in (on my own dime) to review with the nurse running the clinic.

Good luck!

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Specializes in IMC, school nursing.
On 1/17/2020 at 7:56 PM, Just me. said:

It is a little overwhelming to walk into a clinic run by someone else and figure it out as you go. But that is kinda whats expected...

But school districts often refuse to credit your non school experience. Makes sense, right?

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