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Hi all. Today was my first day on my own as an elementary school nurse. This is also my first RN position other than a 1:1 job I had. I previously worked at a LTC for children as an LPN, pediatric home health LPN, and a 1:1 LPN in a school.

I am in an elementary school with roughly 250 kids. Today and the last few days of last week, I saw over 50 kids a day (including daily meds). It's overwhelming.

Today, my first day being on my own I felt like I didn't even have 2 seconds to think! I also had a child come in after nailing his head off of a table with a giant swelling hematoma on his forehead. Called mom who said she had no way to get him. Called dad and he luckily came.

We have a very high special needs population, and a very high rate of poverty in our school.

I left today feeling a little defeated, and am now lying wide awake wondering if I did the right things with the head incident kiddo.

I'm hoping others felt this way when they first started!

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Specializes in Peds, Neuro, Orthopedics.

Today, my first day being on my own I felt like I didn't even have 2 seconds to think! I also had a child come in after nailing his head off of a table with a giant swelling hematoma on his forehead. Called mom who said she had no way to get him. Called dad and he luckily came.

If it's bad enough, you just say either they can come get the kiddo or you can call 911. Then see how fast they get here. :yes: Of course, only when it's serious.

Anyhoo, welcome to school nursing! I just finished my first half of my first year myself. You'll be amazed how much you learn in such a few short weeks! Enjoy.

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Specializes in School nursing.

50 visits is a lot when you only have 250 kids (I see about that many with ~500 kids), but I suspect once you find your ground, those visits will lessen a lot.

If no parent could pick up and the kid was showing symptoms of a concussion, I'd tell the parent I was calling 911. And I have, so its no joke. But I do not mess with head injuries!

Welcome to school nursing!

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Specializes in kids.

Welcome

We are your nursing station, your cheerleaders and your friends. There is a wealth of knowledge on here, so fire away with questions. Also, the dress code is that you must wear something pink on Wednesday :x3:

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Welcome! You'll find that you will go home wondering if you did the right thing pretty often. There is a level of worry surrounding these kiddos that I was not expecting. Hopefully, once everyone is familiar with you the visits will slow down! This is the best nurses' station around, we're happy to have you!

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Specializes in school nursing.

My life mantra is "I run because I worry". There are several times I question whether I did the right thing- I like to see it as showing I care

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Specializes in school nurse.
"...but I suspect once you find your ground, those visits will lessen a lot."

SO TRUE!! As a "newbie" you will be tested...

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Specializes in CVICU, SchoolRN, MICU, PCU/IMU, ED.
"...but I suspect once you find your ground, those visits will lessen a lot."

SO TRUE!! As a "newbie" you will be tested...

Ain't that the truth - by staff and students. I've managed to lessen it because I'm "not nice," lol. I don't let the kids run me and do whatever they want ie sit ON my desk, hang out, and cross my magic line near my desk. I put some paper tape on the floor with Do Not Cross written on it. No one crosses that line now.

Some students tell me they wish the old nurse was still here - because she let them do whatever. Nope not I. I'd like as much control in my clinic as I can get. This is not the hang out spot.

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Welcome! This is a great group of nurses who will help you find your way.

I'm retired from the school nurse job - even though I'm not really retired from nursing. I've worked hospice for over 10 years and prior to that I was ER and L&D at our small hospital.

I agree that you don't put up with any nonsense from parents. I had to call 911 a few times due to parents not taking me or their child's injury or asthma exacerbation seriously.

Also, you'll learn to draw a line with who gets to see the school nurse.

(I will say that when I run into students I used to care for I get hugs and they say they do miss me!). :)

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This is a pet peeve of mine!

The one in my office is the only one available for visitors to use. I don't like it when I have people traipsing in and out, especially when I have children in the clinic. Never mind potential privacy issues and FERPA. Management doesn't really take it seriously...I' m sorry, but this is not a public bathroom!!

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Specializes in kids.
Welcome

We are your nursing station, your cheerleaders and your friends. There is a wealth of knowledge on here, so fire away with questions. Also, the dress code is that you must wear something pink on Wednesday :x3:

Epic fail today....forgot pink....

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Welcome to the best and most supportive board on AllNurses.

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