Peds Acute to School

Published

Hi guys! I'm Alexa, have been a lurker on here for a little bit, but thought I'd join in and introduce myself! I've been a nurse for 3 years in California and ready for a change. I started my career in PCU/Tele, transferred to Peds emergency and now work on an acute care peds unit. While I love what I do, I have always been interested in working as a school nurse since my public health rotation in nursing school. So many of my co-workers questioned why I would want to work in this area of nursing and had so many negative opinions ("it's crap pay", "you'll lose your skills", "you are going to be bored.") So, for my final assignment for my BSN last year I chose a topic in school health and followed a school nurse to get an idea of what school nurses do. I found myself happy to show up to school sites with my mentor and learned quickly that my co-workers were wrong that school nurses are just band-aid and ice pack dispensers. I loved every minute, and was far from bored. My mentor encouraged me to apply for an open position for the following school year so I started working on applying for my prelim. credential, gaining more experience, gathering up letters of recommendation, enrolled in an audiometry class (still in progress). Finally, yesterday, I submitted my first application for a F/T school nurse position! It felt great to click that submit button! I got so many eye rolls from old co-workers, but the feeling in my gut makes me smile and my family and a few good friends are incredibly supportive of my goals that that is all that matters. Pay is not an issue because I am looking for a career that does more than just fuels my bank account. At this point in my career I need a job that motivates me to get up everyday! Working nights in the hospital is rough! So not going to lie, the schedule would be a huge plus for me! I had the option of going to day shift, but my heart was set on this job so I went for it. I am hoping I will get a chance to interview! So some questions I have for you all: Did anyone every try to discourage you from transitioning to school nursing? In 3 words how would you describe being a school nurse?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Did anyone try to discourage me...No

3 words...Me, Myself, I...total autonomy over my clinic. Just the way I like it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Autonomy is also something I look forward to!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Independent, self reliant, confident

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NCSN.

Yes, a lot of my family believes I'm not a "real" nurse anymore. But even though i love them, i could care less about their opinion on this. Right now I'm in the middle of summer break with my daughter and you just can't put a price on that. And I LOVE my job. I've said a few times on here, my worst day in the school is still better than my best day on the floor.

My 3 words to describe a school nurse: autonomous, educator and advocate.

I wish you the best, keep us posted!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pedi.
Yes, a lot of my family believes I'm not a "real" nurse anymore.

People think this about any nurse who doesn't work on an inpatient unit in a hospital. It's been 6 years since I was a hospital nurse but consistently when people hear I am a nurse, the first question they ask is "what hospital do you work for?" I am currently employed by a hospital but I never set foot in it. I can't be bothered to explain what I do to (complex care management for medically complex children in foster care) to anyone outside of nursing, so I just say the hospital and leave it at that now.

No one discouraged me from doing school when I was working in one though it was only a per diem job. My best friend who is a school psychologist frequently encourages me to look into school nursing purely for the schedule and town benefits. I have such a good gig now that I don't want to be tied down to a school schedule though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You will have to complete your school nurse services credential (SNSC/California). I suspect it will be paid out of pocket, and it can be costly. You can maintain your skills per diem. You may get bored if you thrive on adrenaline. Pay is a big concern. Consider the fact you only work a limited number of days a year. You can balance out the pay with summer work and/or per diem on the weekends.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
People think this about any nurse who doesn't work on an inpatient unit in a hospital. It's been 6 years since I was a hospital nurse but consistently when people hear I am a nurse, the first question they ask is "what hospital do you work for?" I am currently employed by a hospital but I never set foot in it. I can't be bothered to explain what I do to (complex care management for medically complex children in foster care) to anyone outside of nursing, so I just say the hospital and leave it at that now.

No one discouraged me from doing school when I was working in one though it was only a per diem job. My best friend who is a school psychologist frequently encourages me to look into school nursing purely for the schedule and town benefits. I have such a good gig now that I don't want to be tied down to a school schedule though.

Kel...I want to say I've read many of your posts and comments and I think you are exactly where you're supposed to be; experienced, informed, engaged, and most excellent patient advocate; just sayin.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've never done school nursing but do what makes YOU happy. They don't pay your bills nor do they have to live your life. People are always trying to dictate to others how to live because they're miserable so they need someone else to bash. Unless you asked their opinion, it doesn't matter.

Best of luck to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion