Newly Graduated Nurse

[coastienurse2b]

Hello, I just graduated LPN school about 3 weeks ago. While I was still in the program, I got an interview for a school nurse position. The interview went really well, however they couldn't officially offer me the job since I didn't have my license. Fast forward to this week, I took the NCLEX on Monday, found out I passed this morning, and got my license number this afternoon. I should be getting a call tomorrow from human resources with the official job offer. I'm super excited!! The school district I'll be working for wants to get LPNs in all schools and have an RN oversee multiple schools. Any tips you can give to help better prepare me? I'd really appreciate it. :)

[Mango Juice]

Welcome and congrats! Of course, review posts on this forum! Also check out these websites: FARE, American Diabetes Association, Epilepsy Foundation. NASN has great resources as well. And review your policies and procedures.

[OldDude]

Congratulations!! Student health and safety is top priority. All the rest is next...you don't know enough to know what you don't know yet...take it one step at a time and enjoy! Welcome to the farm!

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

Review your vaccine requirements.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

Congratulations! Welcome to the group. We're odd but we mean no harm.

I would ask your supervisor nurse about expectations, and also clarify expectations with the administrator if you're alone in a building. Build a relationship with the diabetic educators at the endocrine practices, so you will be able to call on them with diabetic questions.

Get on the state's immunization website and print out what's required for state compliance. Clarify your role in vaccine management.

Do you have an electronic health record? Is it searchable and can you use that to manage data like vaccine records, allergies, medications, etc. If you do, ask for training.

Find out what screenings you have to do and when you have to do them.

Continually practice you history and assessment skills. Kids are poor historians. "Is there anything else you can tell me" is a good phrase to use. Frequently.

Good luck!

[WineRN]

Congratulations! Welcome to the group. We're odd but we mean no harm.

Best Description of us/ New T shirt saying!

Welcome Coastie! Like everyone else said, review your district's policies, state guidelines and this board.

[Leslie Nielsen]

Congratulations!

This is my first year as a school nurse. The resources that have been most helpful to me so far are:

*this board/forum

*NASN membership, which allows me access to their their very active discussion forums, webinars, and more

*School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text (authored by Selekman)

* Guidelines for the Nurse in the School Setting, 3rd Edition. Maywood, IL: Illinois Emergency

Medical Services for Children. Published: April 2017 (a downloadable pdf - easy to find via Google)

The middle two cost quite a bit but are well worth it; I use them every day. Love the last one too - the protocols help me stay focused in my assessments and feel confident that I've covered all key areas.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

I'm surprised. In Massachusetts a school nurse MUST be an RN and must have a BSN. Funny how states are so different.

Best of luck.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I'm surprised. In Massachusetts a school nurse MUST be an RN and must have a BSN. Funny how states are so different.

Best of luck.

And in the public school system, also must get a special school nurse license from the DESE. And must take the MTEL.

[plainfieldguy]

Lots of great advice so far... also try to shadow another school nurse for a few days if you can. They will point out stuff you never thought of! And go through your clinic as soon as you can to get rid of old supplies, clean out the cobwebs, etc. When I started last Oct, I found some tongue depressors and gauze from 2013!!