Jenniferocious

Thank you! You actually described how I really feel to a T. I posted this a few weeks ago. In the meantime I declined the second interview and decided to stick out my school job and keep looking for what I really want (peds). The other position was med Surg and it just wasn’t what I really wanted. anyway, thank you for your response. I think we are on the same path. good luck this year with whatever you decide.

I don’t think we’re too old … maybe I worded my post incorrectly. I think it’s more is it worth it? I’m pretty settled but not satisfied. IDK In your case I would keep applying if that’s what you truly want to do. I agree … I want to refresh my skills and get back in the “game “. But I need to decide if it’s worth it.. or will I regret it in another 20 years ?? (either way LOL)

Thank you for your honesty. I think I know it would be a huge adjustment on me, my family , my body , lifestyle etc. I guess part of me feels like I have something to prove and being a school nurse doesn’t cut it? I am really lucky and am in a great position …I do feel respected , especially after this last school year we had. I’m good at what I do and I know it would be a big blow to them if I left … so I worry about that part of it too. Like I said, this is me feeling like I need to prove something which maybe is not a good reason to make the change. I’m just so conflicted. Ugh. I like the idea of Spring time though! That would give me time to make up a more educated decision. thanks again I’ve been a nurse for about 6 years now. I plan to work until we can retire and move south. I would guess another 5-10 years. I always pictured myself staying at the school until that day would come. But I do feel like I’m missing out on something bigger. ??‍♀️

I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. If you can stick it out until after you’re done, I would try and then raise some serious he££!

I am 47 years old and have been working as a school nurse for the last 5 years. I love my job , I love the kids , and I love the people I work with… the pay is not the best , but I get summers off (and holidays etc). I always get this way over the Summer (bored I guess) and applied for an RN position at the hospital. I had an interview today and they asked for me to have a second interview with the hiring manager. I miss the excitement of working on the floor, however this position will be nights which I’m a little concerned about. I also have no where to move in my current position but if I return to the hospital I can at least get my tuition assistance and eventually move up. I just don’t know if I’m crazy for considering this. Last year was not easy as a school nurse, but obviously not as hard as most. I was hoping for some advice … what would you do…?? Money is not really a factor although making more money would be nice (im not going to lie). Thanks in advance for any advice. It’s been a while since I’ve worked on the floor so I just want some opinions.

65.00 an hour! I'm in the wrong job! LOL We pay $25.91/hour for subs which I think is decent but it's only higher because we agreed to give back 2 of our holidays to increase the hourly wage making it somewhat more enticing for a sub to want to cover for us. Needless to say, it's not working. ?

That poor supervisor! That must be stressful!!

?

I agree it is so stressful worrying about it. I have some pretty severe cases here and not just "anyone" can step in and cover me. I'm trying to put together a plan for our negotiations this Summer for our contract, and working on figuring out how to resolve this. If a teacher is sick, they just call in and have someone (anyone) cover for them. It doesn't work that way for me and I don't think it's fair or safe. Ugg! I almost feel like an outside agency should be hired with on-call nurses able to step in if needed. That would be a dream though. LOL

I'm just curious what everyone else does if they are sick and cannot come into work. We have an online system we can call into, but if a sub doesn't pick up then I have no one to cover for me. I end up texting /emailing each sub on our list asking for help. We have very limited subs, and 9/10 they are unavailable. I have had to plan "in advance" to be sick before just to line someone up. Anyway, just curious how you all handle it. I hate to have to worry about who is taking care of the health office when I'm sick, but coming in ill is not fun either!!

We have about 950 students (grades 6-8) . I have seen 5,684 as of today. However, as the other poster commented, I don't chart on the little things (bandaid for stubbed toe, lol). I have 5 diabetics, 2 seizure kids, and about 15 epi pens. ETA: I see an average of 40 students a day. minimum of 24 for sure, up to about 60 max).

Cut apart a poor plastic recessive Annie mannequin head to remove a kids finger that was stuck in her mouth... ??

Good news! My principal is on board and I'm going to start a group for the diabetics plus another one for students with other health issues they'd like to get some support with. We have a morning session (kind of like during homeroom time) 2 days a week where the kids can go to a specific teacher to seek help for something specific that they have to sign up for. They are going to add me to the list of options and then the kids can come down to my office at that time (so it will be during school hours and I will be getting paid). I'm excited and hoping that I can help make a difference for these kids (especially the ones transitioning to high school next year). Thanks again for all of your input and ideas! You guys are great!!

Well thank you very much!! ?

Wow! Oh my goodness you guys.. You are all way to kind. I guess I just thought it would be a good idea as I have one diabetic 8th grader that was not feeling the love here and switched schools (I found out she is not very happy at her new school either), and another who has had some issues with behavior. I just wanted to try and work with the younger ones to help them transition through 8th grade and make it off to high school confident and successful...as I feel that is one of the tougher grades these kids seem to deal with. I will present my idea to the principal and see where it goes from there. I don't even honestly know if the student's would want to do it. I asked my daughters friend who is T1D (from another school) and she said "No way!". But I get the feeling my kiddos here would be more receptive to it. Thanks again for all of your responses!! J

Hello, This is my 2nd and 1/2 year as a full time middle school nurse. I am currently a tri-leader of an LGBTQ group that takes place every other week here (but I run it with two other teachers). I enjoy talking with the students and getting to know them, however it is not really medically related (I decided to help out as many of the students were coming to me for support/advice, etc) . Anyway, I was thinking of putting together a group for my students with diabetes. Just a support group they can come to and talk about their week, their numbers, highs and lows (both figuratively and relatively speaking)… and any other questions or concerns they have. I just didn't know how to go about approaching the idea. I'm asking if any of you run any sort of support groups and how you got them up and running. I'm assuming I'd have to get the ok from my principal first, then go to the parents and then present it to the students. But I was hoping for some advice so I sound like I have half of an idea before I bring it up to any of them. lol If you have any advice.. I'd love it. Thanks in advance! Jennifer

I had one a couple of weeks ago that arranged my meds. I was like.. yeah … no. I have them in there organized by name/grade/time etc. Please don't mess with it.

Hello ? I've been a member of allnurses forever but I haven't posted much. I am a school nurse now on my second full year (I was a sub prior to that). I work with 6-8 grade. We have a serious vaping problem in our district (mainly high school and my middle school). These kids are tricky with their supplies, they look like regular everyday things that would go unnoticed if you weren't looking specifically for it. My issue is .. I'm wondering if there is a correlation between vaping and elevated BG in a type 1 diabetic? I know nicotine can cause your BG to rise, but I wasn't sure how it would effect a diabetic? Also, the glycerine they add to it for that fruity flavor.. I'm wondering if that could make a difference? I have a student (I won't say male or female) who can easily get out of class due to their T1D to come to "my office " and check his/her BG. Most of the time it is slightly elevated, but nothing we can really do at that time besides assess and encourage water. I've caught them sneaking around after he/she comes to see me at their locker and then trying to get to the bathroom and dodging me every which way they can. There have been reports that he/she has been caught vaping in the bathroom as well. I'm just curious if anyone has seen a correlation between the two or if I'm just looking for something that doesn't exist. It is such a problem here, it is so frustrating and I don't know how to get through to these kids to tell them how potentially dangerous this could be. Any insight would be great. Thanks and looking forward to reading more on here... it's been a long time!!

Ok.. Thanks all for your thoughts. I wouldn't be quitting my position, just pushing back the start date of the program. I guess i have a lot to think about in the next few days (tuition for fall is due 8/3). I've been told the program is mostly writing papers.. Im just worried about starting a new job and working nights and being able to do well in school and my new position. Yikes! I may email my manager this weekend and see what she thinks. thanks again!

Hurst review always says, "Pain never killed anyone" Always choose the killing question.

Hey everyone... question for you all. I am a new grad RN with my ADN. I graduated in May, and I am starting a new overnight position on a cardiac/med-surg unit in about 2 weeks. I have been accepted into an online RN-BSN program starting in January, but I have one course I need to take this fall prior to beginning the program. My question is this, do you think it is a good idea to start as a new nurse on the night shift and take on the BSN program? I have 3 very busy kids as well. They are a little older, but not old enough to drive yet. The hospital I work at does want us to have our BSN, but it wasn't a requirement when I was offered the position. Any advice would be welcomed. I just don't know if I can handle it all at once being new. Thanks in advance.

Hello! Here's my personal experience. I have a Bachelors degree in another field. I just graduated in May with my ADN. I applied for a lot of positions (even "new grad" positions), only to be told that I needed my BSN to be considered. Well, yesterday I was offered a position at a community hospital in my area and I accepted. I am enrolled to begin the online RN-BSN program in January as the hospital I am now working for strongly encourages it. So while I only had an ADN, I did get a job... but I am going for the BSN but I am having my employer pay for my tuition. Good luck to you.

Here's my advice... (and it came straight from both of my parents and I am 41 years old...) In 50 years.. even in 20 years.. Is the hospital going to be in dire straights because you left? Probably not. Most likely they wouldn't even remember who you are. But in 20 years... how will you feel about sticking out a job that made you miserable and was unsafe? Could the position determine your feelings towards nursing if you start out on the wrong foot? Just think of it that way. You have to look out for yourself.. I hope that helps a little. Take care and good luck!!

Thank you so much for posting this. I was offered a LTC position and I declined it because I really want to work acute care. Now I'm having a hard time even getting an interview. I only passed the nclex a month ago... But I haven't worked yet at all and in afraid im going to lose my skills. Congratulations to you on your position. Good luck!

I did the Hurst review. Passed the NCLEX in 150 questions or so. I also did the Qbank from Kaplan. The format was similar to the NCLEX so it was nice to see that. I really concentrated on the Hurst online lectures ( I did the live lecture as well). The exams for HURST were not very helpful to me.. So I liked the content then went to Kaplan for the practice exams.