kymaja

Thanks for replying! Exactly the same here. My "advocate" told me he would get back to me no later than last Friday, and guess what.... still no call. What a joke. I'll let you know if anything develops!

I was hired approximately two months ago as a Field Reviewer with Outcomes, Inc. The person who interviewed me (by telephone) said work was available in my area, and advised me to return all the employment paperwork as soon as possible (which I did that same day). Two days later, I received a phone call from my advocate advising me to take my online test as soon as possible so that a laptop and scanner could be sent to me (which I did the same day). The next day (Friday) my advocate told me the equipment would be sent the following Monday, Tuesday at the latest. Well, that was about 2 months ago and still no equipment.... no equipment, no work. Has anyone else had this problem?

I've done all of the above.... written guidelines and verbal explanations, bandaids, vaseline, calamine, cough drops, etc., etc. I usually see 40-60 students a day as the lone RN of an elementary school. The teaching staff is of a wide range... seasoned veterans with 35+ years of experience to rookies. I think you also have to look at the socioeconomic student population of your school. Over 70% of the kiddos at my school receive free/reduced lunches, thus a high acuity level. A nurse across town with There are also alot of other variables to consider regarding teachers sending kids to the clinic. If the school is run by a micromanager/Type A sort of principal vs. a more laid-back type, teachers are under alot more pressure to perform. The result is stress trickling down to the students. I could go on and on with the variables... would make a great research topic for my masters when and if I decide to go for it.... I've found that most of the general population think school nursing is such a cush job.... HAH:bugeyes: It's alot more demanding than the years I spent in ICU.... but the rewards are worth it. I received a letter from a parent this years regarding her son.... she wrote that the time and dedication I spent with him over the last three years helped to change his and the family's lives, and for that she will always be grateful.... absolutely not bragging... the kids make it all worthwhile!!!!!!:redbeathe

Could you please elaborate on "psychiatric consultation-liason nursing", this sounds very interesting. Where can I find information about this and other sub specialities of psych nursing? Thanks!

The other day, I was discussing puberty with a female student. When I asked her if she knew what it meant for a women to have a period, she replied, "it's when a woman goes into heat and the men chase after her". Funny, maybe.... scary too. Certainly made me realize I had my work cut out for me with this lesson!

Happens all the time.... yesterday we had a new sub on campus and therefore alot of kids began trickling in with a variety of complaints. For example, one complained of a stomachache, but when asked what he'd had for lunch, he replied "four tacos and two chocolate milks". After a temp check, he was sent back and told his food would digest just fine while doing his work:)). Luckily, we have a "core" group of subs so they know the "frequent flyers" and "complainers". I have a "When to Send a Student to the Nurse" outline which I give to the teachers to put in their sub folder. Not really sure if it helps, but it's a good try! Have a great one

Gen & Daisy, I'll let you know any info I come across.... There are so many web sites to research, so much information.... my mind is swimming at this point. I really want to pursue this!

Gen & Daisy, I'll let you know any info I come across.... There are so many web sites to research, so much information.... my mind is swimming at this point. I really want to pursue this!

I had 12 years of experience in the areas of ICU (primarily Pedi), Med-Surg, and Home Health. Currently, I am the sole caregiver for 560 elementary students. As per previous posters, school nursing is truly an independent career and involves long days and occasional weekend work to "catch up". Some days I see 60+ students (each visit must be logged into the computer in detail), attend meetings after school, counsel students and teachers, etc., etc. I'll never forget the response of a friend three years ago when I told him about my new job... oh, so all you'll do is put on bandaids..................... It can be extremely frustrating at times when the "educational side (paperwork)" interferes with nursing care, but the kiddos make it all worthwhile!

After contemplating a new career direction for some time, I am drawn to forensic nursing, especially working as a SANE nurse. Can anyone offer information regarding certifications/programs/degrees offered in Texas, particularly in the central part of the state? Are SANE/forensic nurses in demand in Texas? Thanks for any info/advice!

Thanks for the encouragement! I tend to be independent (thus home health, school nursing) and don't like to feel like I'm asking something "silly"..... I'm praying for a wonderful preceptor and team of nurses! Have a great one!

I am a reentry RN returning to the hospital setting after 10 years of working in home health and school nursing. I will start my preceptorship next month in the Tele/Stepdown unit.... am really excited but also nervous! I would really welcome any and all advice, such as.... what textbooks, etc. are the best for learning EKG/ECG interpretation; what are other priorities I should be brushing up on to prepare; what is the best cardiac stethoscope, etc. Any other words of wisdom and advice are welcome! Thanks in advance:balloons:

Thanks for the reply! My advisor is encouraging me to work with a wide range of patients and their health needs. Working in the ER, peds, psych, etc. might be too narrow of a focus. I guess I just need to jump back in and get my feet wet. I've been reading about the horror stories of med-surg.... is it really true that in many cases, today's med-surg unit is like that of the ICU 10 years ago? I loved home health.... except when it came to the hours of paperwork.... UGH! Have a great one!

Hi Everyone! I am an RN, BSN who has been out of the hospital setting for 12 years but have remained active working in home health and school nursing. I have just completed the on-line portion of an RN nurse refresher course and must select a specialty area for clinicals which begin next month. I have an interest in alot of areas, but my advisor suggests either Stepdown/Telemetry or Med-Surg which will expose me to alot of different patients. I enjoy client interaction and teaching, but am nervous and anxious about my clinical skills. It's been a long time since I've done IV's, etc.! I'm leaning toward Stepdown/Telemetry (perhaps lower ratios and less hectic?), but am unfamiliar with drips, etc. My advisor discourages other areas such as pedi, psych, ER. I am in central Texas and am considering either St. Davids or Seton. I would really appreciate any and all input! Thanks!!!

Oh my gosh... all of the above and more! Had a child this week who had nausea and diarrhea... mom and dad flew out early that morning to go on vacation, handed the child a bottle of Imodium (without a note/written instructions), and told him to "take it to the nurse and have her give you some when you need it"!!!!! Elderly aunt is staying with child while parents are gone... doesn't drive. FINALLY get in touch with another relative who lives 1 hour away (all the while the child is running back and forth to/from the BR) who says he can come get him but rides a bicycle to work and will have to get a ride back home to get his car. All the while, I cannot get in touch with the parents as they are flying off to some tropical paradise. The poor child is feeling crappy (excuse the pun), taking up one of two beds and the BR, while others are coming in and out with any number of injuries/sicknesses (including a piece of a crayon lodged way down in the ear... but that's another story). So is a typical day of a school nurse... and people say all we do is put on bandaids!:) BUT, I do love working with the kids!!!