rnbran

Mrs H, you are an inspiration!! Thank you for your input. My back is shot, so anything to physical is out of the question. I have gone ahead and ordered the text Comprehensive school nursing, and have contacted the contact NYSSN rep in my area, who has been kind enough to offer more info! Maybe by next year, I'll be more knowlegable and this body will be ready to roll...

How physically fit do you have to be? I cant go back to bedside nursing since I cant do too much lifting or do an an exorbitant amount of physical work. My back gives me trouble from having had lifting patients etc. The thought of just doing administrative work....ugh, well, I have always enjoyed the patient (client) contact. I've always enjoyed lending an ear, and providing emotional support side of my nursing career as well. Thank you all again for your insight and advice!

Thank you everyone! It is funny, when people assume ...a nurse, is a nurse, is a nurse....while there are many similarities in every nursing specialty, we have SO many specialities, and switching a focus means learning new approaches, new ideas, new material. I guess that is what leaves me feeling apprehensive, I have no idea what to expect as a school nurse (which stands to reason). I have been reading these posts, reading interview questions, the pros and cons from those working as a school nurse. I think I will buy a text i've seen recommended on this forum, to read up a bit more, maybe see if I could shadow a school nurse etc..... Preferences

Hi everyone, I have a masters in nursing and have worked in a hospital setting for over 22 yrs, as a float, left hospital nursing in 2009 and was hired as a private nurse for a family up until last summer. Managed my clients extensive medical care, supervised 9 + caregivers etc. Taught a bit of clinical nursing on the side to RN and LPN students. Now I find myself at 54, still needing and wanting to work until...well, 70 maybe and trying to figure out what this body can withstand, and what I would be interested in doing for the last phase of my career as a nurse. Im feeling Im not qualified ? Does that make sense to anyone? I do enjoy working with children/teens, but not sure if I have the skills I would need. I was thinking about taking a first aide course and than an advanced one, along with buying a comprehensive text on school nursing. But most of you know the job, would I be viewed as too old (the ageism thing)? I certainly cant and have no desire to return to bedside nursing in a hospital. Any advice from all you sage school nurses would be appreciated!