akc_RN

Hello, I've been struggling with which focus I should have in grad school. I love educating patients and students, but I don't think I really want to teach in the classroom setting. I'm leaning more towards the leadership and management focus because it pertains more to what I am doing now. Does anyone have any advice, such as any case managers that may have either one of these focuses and your experiences? Thank you!

I have only been a school nurse for 3 months and it is not what I anticipated either. It's frustrating and I have not figured out how to make things better. My principal and the teachers I've met so far are nice to me. But they overstep their bounds a lot of time. I see about 25 to 30 kids a day, so it's overwhelming to say the least. But it's definitely not what I expected!

Hello, You sound just like me when I first started in this profession. It's been almost five years and I still feel unfulfilled. I'm working as a school now after working in a hospital setting for awhile. I never felt joy for the same reasons that you have mentioned. It's really hard to become a nurse and then reality sets in. I have regrets sometimes, but I don't want to turn my back completely on my profession. As a school nurse, I am still very busy and the pay is not great. I keep telling myself to stick with it because of the normal schedule hours. But it still is not where I really want to be. So I understand exactly how you're feeling right now. I hope you continue to gain experience and then move on to a different environment. You'll find your niche :)

Hi I just accepted a job as a school nurse. I was so desperate to move on from the hospital setting, so I'm happy with my decision. Now my concern is making extra money! I've always been interested in home health, but I don't know how to get my foot in the door. My goal is to do PRN since I'll be working somewhere else full time. Any advice?

Your post gives me so much hope about the career choice I would love to have! I'm waiting to hear back from a school nurse position I interviewed for a few days ago. But everything you have mentioned is exactly how I feel at this point in life. I'm also working on my MSN too, so I will have a back plan. Thank you again for your post and insight :)

Hello! I finally have an interview with a school system in my area. Now I'm nervous about the interview because this is my first attempt at working with children. I've worked in a hospital setting for 4 years and looking for a change soon. I've always loved kids and I am excited about this opportunity! Any advice on what type of questions I can expect to be asked?

Yes thank you Kel!!

What makes school nursing frustrating?! I've heard different things about the pay, so I'll be in contact with a few people in my area to check. The sweet hours and time off in the summer sounds great to me :)

That's good to know. What is the teachers' union steps??

19 years of school nursing sounds great! As far as the contract, was your's renewed each year or did you have to apply?? I'm thinking of still doing some PRN work for extra money too.

Yes I figured the salary would be lower, I was just curious as to how low lol. But it makes sense, so I'll give it it try! I will continue doing my research as well. Thanks!

What about the salary? Any ideas?

Ok great! Thank you, I will try that :)

Hi everyone! I have been interested in school nursing for a while now. I have 4 years of experience in nursing (Antepartum, Postpartum, Nursery & Telemetry). I absolutely love children! And i think this would be a good fit for me because I want to work Monday - Friday now too. Any advice on how to make myself more marketable for this type of position?

Oh ok thank you for your input!

Ok that makes sense. I'm hoping to do my Praticum hours either in the classroom or clinically because I know the hours can be flexible. So with you working full time, did you just complete your hours on Saturdays or some evenings doing the week?

Hi I'm attending Walden university for my MSN in education. My question is how intense is it to complete the hours on time? I have to complete 144 hrs and each class (2) is 12 weeks apiece. I wanted to find another job working Monday through Friday instead of working 12hr shifts in the hospital. But I'm just trying to gather some information before taking that step. So if anyone has any advice on what I should do, I would appreciate it. Thanks!

That is awesome you get to do this kind of a job in a health department. I'm working on my masters in nursing education, so I feel like public health would be a good field to go into. I just really want to teach and have a normal life with my family. Your post has inspired me to keep looking! Thanks

I will check to see. I go to Walden online, so I can email some classmates to see. Yes I do, I plan to ask the instructor the next time I see her. Yes I can accept not teaching a speciality right now, I just want to get my foot in the door! Thank you for your advice!

Ok thank you! I figured that, but I was unsure. You have any other suggestions if I'm not able to find a clinical job? No bedside nursing though. Whatever job I find, I want to be able to teach as well.

Hey! I'm still at my current job, but in the process of looking for either a public health job or education job. What about you?