mitzi

The union issue is touchy and frustrating. We talked to our reps the whole way thru this last contract negotiations but there are only 4 of us in the district. They feel that they DID speak on our behalf and were baffled when we expressed our disappointment with our increase. They felt we were unappreciative. I think the solution may be to try to get input from gals in other districts in my area to see how they fair. As far as going back to school goes...that's really not an option I'd consider at my age...59. I appreciate all the input and advice....please keep it coming.

I accepted years ago because I wanted to be available for my kids activities and the schedule fit. Also, when you are new, you don't have the same perspective as when you have been in a job and really see how things are. I am trying to change things for the better and just because things are this way doesn't mean they are right or that they have to continue. What's right is that this is changed for the future and that people realize that we provide the same services as the certifieds in my district.

I have no benefits

My job description DOES require that I am a registered nurse

I'm a registered nurse from a diploma program. I have my professional nursing license. In our district we have a medicine treatment sheet approved by our school physician and signed off on yearly by parents via the emergency card. If a child comes in for treatment or medication...Tylenol, robitussin, advil, benadryl, dimetapp, they are evaluated and given the proper response. This is within my scope of practice. I can't very well call my superior every time a child comes in for her input. I am not doing anything my license wouldn't permit. I do screenings, set them up, interact with parents and teachers re: situations of concern, inservice teachers on food allergies/epi-pen, treat staff members, make up health records, document immunizations, and in my job description it says...and other functions as designated by the school nurse. And that phrase covers anything else that they see fit as long as it's in the scope of practice.

I'm in my 17th year at the school and the reason I stay is that I work 5 hrs' a day and now that my kids are grown, it works out well for me. But I gotta tell ya...it's so very frustrating. We are called health room assistants and we are in the same union as playground aides and secretaries. There are secretaries with the same time in or less that make more than me. In addition, up until this last contract, the RN that started last year came in at the same salary as I make after 17 yrs. We were put in this union years ago because the certifieds didn't want us in the teachers union with them. The certifieds seem to be very threatened when any discussion is initiated re: this matter. I know it's because everyone realizes we can do and DO do exactly what they do for a fraction of the cost to the district. Can you read between the lines here? If the powers that be begin to realize this then the certifieds feel it's a matter of time before they are gone. Every time the health room assistants bring this up we are told that we have it better than school districts elsewhere and in some cases we do but I don't feel that's the answer. What is going on just isn't right. They are not comparing apples to apples. Any suggestions out there????

I send the ones you mentioned but am firm re: stomach aches. I take their temp, ask if they've eaten, if they feel like they're going to puke...of course they always say yes. If all the above are in order I have them try class. Especially if they are a frequent flyer. I call a parent if a child is having a major meltdown and I can't get them to calm down. Sometimes I'll call the counselor to help with that agenda. I've sent kids home with suspicious rashes to have evaluated before returning. I send kids that poop their pants home. We are not permitted to clean them up. I send kids with asthma home if they don't respond to their inhaler or nebulizer treatment. Hope that helps.

Hi All I'm a registered nurse working under a certified school nurse. I do the same things she does with no benefits and $14.95 and hr. while she is on the same scale as a teacher. I don't want her salary or benefits, but I think I deserve more than I make. I'm called an assistant/aide but I work independent of her. I need some input from those of you in the same position. No :bluecry1:one responded to my previous request for info.