Gerri Harvey

I do not blame you for wanting the job...it is a wonderful specialty. I have been a school nurse for 13 years : ) You may not be able to compete for this position right now, as most states require that you be an RN to be a school nurse. But if you are eligible, you can get the information you are looking for ny visiting the National Association of School Nurses web site at http://nasn.org My own web site (see my profile) also has some good information for new and aspiring school nurses. Good luck! Gerri ------------------

The best way to get a foot in the door and try out school nursing to see if it is for you is to first work as a substitute school nurse. This has several advantages: 1. You get to try it out, and will get a good feel for what a school nurse does at various grade levels. 2. You will be able to check out various school districts by subbing for them, getting a better sense of whether it is a school and district where you would like a position, should one come open. 3. Future employers will get to know YOU, and if you are good, you will have an edge of other unknowns competing for the same job 4. You will become acquainted with school nurses who will be valuable resources to you when you are looking for a position. They will serve as formal and informal references and, should you get hired, as supportive mentors. 5. If school nursing turns out not to be for you, you will know before investing the time and emotional energy in finding a position. You will not have any trouble working as much as you want and when you want as a sub school nurse; the demand exceeds the supply! The pay isn't great, but the experience is invalable if you are considering this specialty. Because you need experience to become certified, find out what the requirements are in your state, so that you can present yourself as a "certifiable" candidate should you apply for a position. It's a wonderful specialty and a more challenging one than many expect. Feel free to visit my web site for more information about school nursing. Good luck! Gerri ------------------