Post grad plans...school nursing?

[almostnurseinjersey]

Hi everyone,

I am a rising senior in a BSN program. Although I do love nursing, lately, I have been leaning more towards going in the school nurse route. I know that it doesn't pay as well, and school nurses may not be as needed as RNs on med surg units in hospitals, I think it's really what I was meant to do. I did two semesters of clinical on a telemetry unit and didn't fall head over heels in love with it (could have been my instructor though, so who knows ). I love children and have had a consistent job for the past four years at a summer camp near my house, and this summer, I am also working as a nursing assistant at a hospital nearby.

If anyone is a school nurse, RN, or anything, I was wondering if you had any opinions/words of wisdom/etc. This isn't my set plan or anything yet, but something I've been thinking a lot about lately. I know I'd have to get a masters (or I think for New Jersey you do at least).

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

If you love school nursing, then do it. I think it could be a great career if you were able to incorporate health education and make the school nurse an integral part of the team.

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

There is a whole sub forum here for school nurses (click on specialties at the top then scroll down to School Nursing)...you will find lots of good info there. Many if not most will recommend you get some hospital experience first before getting into School Nursing, but I am of the opinion that a new grad or new-ish grad can be successful as a School Nurse IF they have the right combination of abilities, confidence, and support. I had less than 6 mos. hospital experience (adults no less) before making the switch to School nursing, and while the learning curve can be steep, I feel I have been successful.

Check out our School Nursing forum, we are pretty active for a smallish specialty. You will find lots of info on the pros and cons of school nursing, interviewing and getting the job, and managing your office once you're there. Good luck!