stlrn

Thanks everyone! You have all given me things to think about.

This is my first year as a school nurse. I am in an elementary setting. My clinic has been seeing approximately 65 kids daily. This is not including kiddos we help but sometimes don’t even chart on (clothing changes due to mud, etc) Another elementary school in our district has an opening for next year. They see around 30 kids maybe 45 max at times. Both schools have 2 nurses. I really would like to transfer to the slower paced school but I’m not sure what to tell my supervisor without sounding lazy, incompetent, or unable to handle challenges especially since it’s my first year. Any input would be wonderful. Thanks!

I rarely send home an elementary kiddo with a headache unless accompanied by a fever. It depends on the severity. First visit I generally try hydration and short rest period after asking the normal questions about eating, onset, etc. Second visit (which doesn’t happen often) I speak to mom or dad and potentially give Tylenol or Ibuprofen. The student can still stay unless parents want to pick up or the kid is really struggling.

I have 3 in my school. If buying lunch then they bring their lunch to the nurse office to let me know what they’re eating and we dose before they eat. If they bring lunch then they still come before lunch and we dose according to the carb count mom has written down. Occasionally one doesn’t finish lunch (maybe talking too much) so they come sit in my office to finish. This rarely happens because then they’re late for recess. Luckily we have a monitor in the office so their BS displays all day. Each kid brings their snack daily. They come to the office prior to eating it to dose. Each kiddo has their own stash brought from home of either glucose tabs, juice, pb crackers, etc that is always kept in our office for times they go low.

Is anyone a substitute nurse and love it or was a a sub in the past? Thoughts on being a sub? I am a part time elementary school nurse. I’m thinking that I may enjoy working with different age groups. Just looking for a change. Thanks!

Did you end up working at Frenchwoods?

This is my first year as a school nurse. This looks like great information. I think I’m going to sign up.

We use this for bug bites or stings.

BrisketRN - thanks for the upload. I like it. In regards to Covid symptoms our school allows us to use nursing judgement on who gets isolated and sent home unless it’s a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. If they have a stomachache and/or headache (with no fever) we rarely send kids home unless they really do appear sick or they come back again with the same complaint then we call mom or dad.

I feel like I’m seeing everything! Even nails that need to be clipped. I have tried to send out an email to teachers but I think I’m too vague and they’re not taking it completely serious. Other than emergencies what do you currently “allow” in your office? Did you send an email with specific directions on who to send and who can be handled in the classroom? Do they send every stomach or headache? Thanks!

Those who are back full time in person how may kiddos do you generally see a day? I’m talking about currently not pre-covid. We are seeing at least 40 elementary kids per day. I just feel like that’s a lot during this Covid time.

I am interviewing for an elementary school nurse position. I am completely new to this role. I use to work bedside then was a clinical nurse supervisor. I am trying to come up with good interview questions especially with all of the Covid challenges. What questions do you feel would be important to ask? Also appreciate any interview tips. Thanks!