schoolnurse64

Thank you! Do you know anyone who went for non instructional option? I haven't met any NJ certified school nurse who has done it, which is one of the reason I'm hesitant to do it. The main reason I am looking to switch to the public school system is for the benefits. I like working for the private school, for some of the reasons MHDNURSE mentioned, but I haven't been able to find a full time job within the private school system, and I am going to need benefits in the near future. I hate the idea of leaving my school though, because I really enjoy the kids and the administration is very supportive, which I know can be hard to find. That's why I'm so torn over what to do!

Hi Everyone, First of all, I would like to say that I love the school nurse thread and all of you have taught me so much since I've started working as a school nurse (almost 3 years now). I'm looking for some advice on the NJ school nurse certification. Like I said, I've been a school nurse for a few year now, but I work in a private school, so I don't need to be state certified. Now that I have some experience, I am thinking of getting certified and switching to public school nursing. The one thing holding me back is that I definitely do not want to teach health classes. I see that several programs have a "non instructional" certification option. Is it possible to get hired in NJ with this certification? Or do all the schools require the instructional certification in order to be hired? How many of you teach actual classes? I'm in central NJ if that makes any difference. I don't want to spend money on a certification that I won't be able to use, but I know I don't want to teach, and the non instructional certification is cheaper and faster. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Hi Everyone. I spoke to a mom today whose daughter got her period for the first time. The girl is in fourth grade. The mom asked if I had any resources for her and her daughter because she is so young (the school does the puberty class in 5th grade). I did not but offered to put some resources together for her but she declined. My question is, what resources do you have available for these students? I haven't had any luck finding resources specifically geared towards younger girls. I would like to have some on hand in case this scenario comes up again... Thanks in advance!

Had this one earlier in the week. Kindergarten student came in first thing in the morning complaining he's sick and needs to go home. Says he's coughing a lot and threw up during the night. No fever, no coughing while in office, keeps holding his stomach saying "I'm sick" but no complaints of stomach pain. Called mom to clarify vomit during night-mom laughed and said "he's there already?";mom said he coughed up mucus the night while having coughing fits and told him if he doesn't feel well during school go the nurse and she'll come pick him up. So of course, he's in my office wanting to get picked up!!! Nicely told the child that he seemed fine and to come back in an hour or two if he still isn't feeling well. Student kept saying "but I'm sick and I have to go home!" Finally convinced him that he was ok to stay in school...

It was a little over a year ago.

I had one of these "interviews" after applying for a position with PSA healthcare. They show you a video and then you take a test. The test is really easy, mostly patient safety and CPR. After the test they gave everyone present a job offer and contract to sign on the spot (at least in my case). In the end I didn't take the job because I felt there was to little orientation/training.

Thanks for such a quick response! I believe the problem is that the family has insurance but not for eye care, and so they probably won't qualify for some of these programs. Will bring it up with the mother, though.

What type of programs/resources are available in NJ for children with vision problems and having difficulty with insurance coverage? I think I read an old post somewhere asking the same question, but can't seem to find it now that I need it...

I was offered a group interview with PSA Healthcare in NJ. Test was really easy, hired on the spot. Pay was only $21/hr, but I was a new grad. The other people at the interview seemed to have just as little experience; some weren't even certified in CPR, but were hired on condition they become certified. I turned down the job offer when I found out that there was only a one day orientation before starting your first case. I didn't want to work a job were I wasn't trained and risk losing my hard earned license!

Thanks everyone for all of your advice! I guess I'll have to get my student and parent body better, and until then air on the side of caution.

Hi, I'm a new school nurse and have so many questions. I've found a lot of answers reading older posts, so I figured I'd ask the rest of my questions since everyone seems so helpful :) When should a parent be called? I've called parents for FYI stuff after sending kids back to class, but some parents get mad that I'm bothering them for what they think is nothing. Other parents get mad when I don't call. I don't really know the parents yet and who prefer whats....what should I do? Also, when do you send a child home? I know the basics...fever, vomiting, diarrhea...is there any other time I should send a child home? Also, any tips on how to treat minor ailments would also be appreciated. Seems to me, everything is treated with an ice pack or hot pack, but I'm wondering if there's anything more I should be doing. Thanks for the help!