NJ instructional vs. non instructional

[schoolnurse64]

Hi Everyone,

First of all, I would like to say that I love the school nurse thread and all of you have taught me so much since I've started working as a school nurse (almost 3 years now).

I'm looking for some advice on the NJ school nurse certification. Like I said, I've been a school nurse for a few year now, but I work in a private school, so I don't need to be state certified. Now that I have some experience, I am thinking of getting certified and switching to public school nursing.

The one thing holding me back is that I definitely do not want to teach health classes. I see that several programs have a "non instructional" certification option. Is it possible to get hired in NJ with this certification? Or do all the schools require the instructional certification in order to be hired? How many of you teach actual classes? I'm in central NJ if that makes any difference.

I don't want to spend money on a certification that I won't be able to use, but I know I don't want to teach, and the non instructional certification is cheaper and faster. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[MHDNURSE]

Hi,

I would look into whether or not the public schools require their nurses to teach, as many of them in my experience do. Some may have an actual "Health Teacher", but most that I know of have the school nurse teach the classes. Curious why the change from Private to Public? One of the nice things about private is that you aren't dealing with all the IEPs, 504s, etc. which is really nice. Though I know privates have their downsides as well.

[Windchaser22]

I'm in NJ and went for the instructional even though I don't technically teach health. The nurses used to teach; however, there just isn't enough time or coverage for the clinic. At any rate, I think having the instructional might give you an edge for employment. Employment is very competitive. Also, it might move you up on the contract depending on how many credits over a bachelors you have i.e. BS, BS +15 (non instructional) vs +30 credits are worth more money. Good luck.

[schoolnurse64]

Thank you! Do you know anyone who went for non instructional option? I haven't met any NJ certified school nurse who has done it, which is one of the reason I'm hesitant to do it.

The main reason I am looking to switch to the public school system is for the benefits. I like working for the private school, for some of the reasons MHDNURSE mentioned, but I haven't been able to find a full time job within the private school system, and I am going to need benefits in the near future. I hate the idea of leaving my school though, because I really enjoy the kids and the administration is very supportive, which I know can be hard to find. That's why I'm so torn over what to do!