Not a real nurse huh?

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I have to get something off of my chest. I'm a new grad and my only nursing job has been as a school nurse. I started as a sub for the county and will be moving into a full time position. I could not be happier. When I was in school I had all of these great clinical experiences in the OR, ER, ICU and med surg and I loved my mother baby and PEDS rotations the best. I had every intention of pursuing a hospital career of some sort (I had already worked in acute care at a large hospital as a CNA for a couple of years in med surg). As soon as I started subbing as a school nurse something just clicked. It all fell into place. I cannot imagine doing anything else. All the other options I had considered just dissolved. I love caring for children who may not have someone to care for them. I am so sick of hearing comments about this not being as important as hospital nursing. Well I guarantee 80% of the nursing population has a school aged child and where would they be without us? I don't think people realize what school nurses actually do. True it's a lot of bandaids and ice packs and tummy aches. But its more than that. Kids need a little TLC and some of the children I care for have SEVERE medical problems. People don't realize that we do alot of acute care with these kids. Tube feedings, breathing treatments, med pass, and we deal with emergencies. I don't think alot of community members grasp how ill alot of these children that their "healthy" children go to school with. I believe we are the most important kinds of advocates in caring for defenseless children. I also can't remember a time when a hospital nurse was responsible for the care of almost 1,000 human beings BY THEMSELVES! Sorry just a little rant there :) and thank you to those I know who do understand and appreciate my choice in a career.

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School nurses are awesome!

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Specializes in inerested in school nursing, peds, OR.

I can't wait to be a school nurse! It's reason I'm going to nursing school! I agree, school nurses do rock! ?

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Specializes in Oncology.

I work in a clinic and people tell me that's not "real nursing" either. Puh-lease!

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Specializes in School Nursing.

I'm in nursing school and I've had a lot of rolled eyes when I answer the all too often ask question, "So, where do you want to work when you graduate?" and I answer, "I want to be a school nurse". Not that I haven't loved other aspects (like NICU)-- but my ultimate goal is school nursing.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Neuro, Respiratory.

We need nurses of all types. People who think school nursing is not "real nursing" should think about how schools would be without nurses like you. Good for you for doing what you love.

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Specializes in ICU/PACU.

School nurse sounds so much better than a hospital nurse. I envy you.

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My mom was a psych nurse for as long as I remember. Since I graduated nursing school I've worked in corrections and at a doctor's office. Nurses work in many areas other than the hospital. Yet people have this idea of what a "real nurse" does. It can be very frustrating.

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I work in an office and though I haven't heard it lately, when I first started people basically would say that they wish they could help me get a job as a "real nurse". It used to really irritate me but I work in derm and I love my setting. I feel like I am much happier than most nurses in a hospital setting. Keep doing what you love!

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Specializes in Clinical Documentation Specialist, LTC.

Just remember. Those who are not happy in their own lives always find something to put others down about. Misery loves company. Keep on keeping on and do what makes you happy. We only get one ride on this merry-go-round called life.

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Specializes in MedSurg.

Hats off to you. I'm glad you enjoy your work as a school nurse! :-)

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Specializes in Medical Oncology, Alzheimer/dementia.

I get the impression that many nurses think that unless you work in a hospital, you aren't doing "real nursing", and I don't know why that is.

I was a school nurse for about 3 years, and worked in LTC for 7 years. According to most people all I did was put on bandaids and watched people sleep. It's finally just now that I'm a real nurse since I have a hospital job...yeah, whatever.

I never cared much about what people think. I do what makes me happy, and what's best for me and my family.

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