BSNmommyof2

The kids are done the 23rd and staff have the 26th for year end stuff.. I am completely clueless as to what I have to pack up. The office is used for summer school so I plan to pack up all my own personal stuff. I could use a good week without students to finish all the stuff I have pending.... guess there's always next year. Lol

I am finishing my first year of school nursing June 26. I have been in the ER for 15 years prior so this was a big learning curve in respect to all of the health care plans, and other paperwork type things. I work in a school of 6-12th grade and absolutely prefer it compared to elementary level. I made the switch knowing I would make way less money but the increase in family time and quality of life is so worth it. I am still per diem in the ER with a plan to pick up just a few shifts this summer. My district will allow me to stretch my pay throughout the summer. There are days that have absolutely made me question my decision...until the clock said 2:35 and I simply turned off my lights and shut the door behind me... it was a wild feeling at first to simply be done and leave work. No late shift call bell, or stat order, or the code who rolls into trauma bay before the next nurse takes report... super rambling answer for, I am so happy I made the jump! Good luck!

This weeks pet peeve is the almost hourly handful of kids sent to my office because they are "hungry". Their passes even request "crackers".... I guess I should start asking the teachers for supplies they purchase throughout the day... I go through boxes of saltines like crazy. I am not a drive through!

Welcome! I am also a newbie who walked into this position with no orientation or continued district support. This forum has been invaluable to my sanity and practice. I would follow advice given already. I ended up printing a report from our EHR-SNAP, and going from there. Lots of cross referencing from report and hard copies. It's tedious but does get easier as you become more familiar with what is required.

Thank you! I had a feeling this needed more clarity. It's a big new world and not knowing what my "job is" I struggle with some of these situations and how much I get involved with the final solution.. I will let you know how this goes.

Let me start by saying this is my first year as a school nurse, previous to this I lived in the clear cut policy world of the ER. I am the only RN for 556 students grade 6-12. Please help me figure out what my role is in chronic absences.. I have a sophomore who has now missed 47 days of this school year. End of February family provided letter from GI specialist stating need for late arrivals or missing school altogether if symptoms were severe. It did end in asking for collaboration if absences were habitual. Guidance would like me to continue pursuing this issue to see if he qualifies for home tutoring. Am I living in my ER mind where this should be Admin or guidance or even SPED(he's and IEP student) to continue conversation with providers to qualify him for home school needs? Of note, I did phone the specialist office who refuse to talk with me until a signed consent from the family is obtained. I previously have been wildly unsuccessful in getting this family to call me back. Gah, just feeling overwhelmed with all the things I need to get done and this just adds to the list. Thank you!

Thank you!!

I'm also new this year. Was hired 2 weeks after the start of the school year. Grades 6-12 approx 500 students in total with 4 who are quite medically complex with trach and g-tube care. I do have help and share the school with an LPN new to the school also. I'm 1 week in and feeling completely lost with what to tackle first. I've been asked(really told)to give Narcan, epi-pen, and blood borne pathogen training to all staff, plus enter all physicals and immunizations into snap.. I know this is all probably manageable but after 15 years in the ER with a Plan for most everything... I'm lost! The other nurses in the district aren't up for being mentors as apparently they won't get paid for it.. We don't have a designated nurse leader. I'm really just venting and hoping next summer is amazing! I do love the kids and the medical aspect of it... The million piles of paper and constant instructions from teachers and staff are a little overwhelming...

I am hoping to be selected for a school nurse position for this school year.... Cutting it a bit close here in Western Ma.... Anyhow, I have 14 years of ER and case management experience, with a year of sub nursing for a different school district. I have interviewed for a position and was told today I am one of two candidates being considered for the position. The hiring director voiced that she would advocate to the school board that I be the selected candidate, she is getting questioned though as the other candidate already has her license for school nursing. I am in Massachusetts. Does anyone have any experience with the process for MTEL or DESE certs? Is it possible to start this process to show my intent is there to be a part of this school? Thank you! I have been lurking for months and have really gained a ton of wisdom already! Wish me luck :)