staciestitches

www.nysasn.org Go to this site and look on the left. Go under conferences. The orientation is listed there. The final details are not on there yet but contact info is listed. I went this past summer and learned so much. The women are so helpful and really make you feel comfortable. It is held at the Welch-Allyn Lodge. It is so pretty there. The lodge is in Skaneateles (sp?).

I was an ICU nurse for 15 years and this year just started school nursing. It is nothing like what I have done and the first thing that they taught me at the school nurse conference was to not look at things like I used to. This is public health nursing and you are treating the well, not treating the sick. Yes, you do get sick children, but your role is to keep these children well. It is all about prevention. I do use more of my previous learned skills than I thought I would though. I do like it. I am still planning to do some per diem work at the hospital but for now I am learning the policies and procedures here at the school. I strongly suggest going to a school nurse orientation conference this summer if you do get a school nurse job. You could also substitute for awhile so you get the feel for it. I went into it because my family really needed a change. I was working every weekend and did not have much family time. It has worked out well. I love the autonomy. I am learning how to stick up for myself and not feel intimidated. The pay is very low. I would not be able to do this if my DH was not in a good job. But most of us are not in it for the pay. :chuckle Good luck in your decision.

How do you deal with a student that goes on a field trip and requires a fingerstick with coverage? Ideally I would like the mom to go. I am not sure that will happen though. I think that I would have to go because I would be having to dispense a medication. Also, it is feasible to send a medication with a teacher who has a student that can self medicate right? The student is in 6th grade and takes a med at 1pm. She would just have to say I am Susie and that is my medicine right? I think I answered my own question but would like to know what others do. Thanks. Stacie

I am a RN that has worked in a local ICU for 14 years. I recently accuired a school nurse postition. I am well aware that this new position is very different from what I am doing. I have been trying to look into resources and books that would be helpful and wondered what some fellow nurses might have in the way of insight. I am not going to be able to have someone train me so I am mostly on my own. I bought a school nurse handbook. Are there any magazines out there for school nurses? What tips could you give to help me? I have been reading Gerri Harvey's site and find it very helpful. I know that the simple things are going to get me. IE gum in the hair and such. What types of education material do you do with the students? Are the teachers receptive? To what extent do you do Universal precautions thru out the school? Do buses carry kits? I should add that this is a Elementary school and they want me to start more health programs. Thanks in advance. Stac