marsbar37

Hi I was wondering if new school nurses that practice in NYC have to take a test to be certified.

I have been worrying about my job security too. I've been a school nurse for 3 years and it gets harder to find assignments( agency) especially over the Summer. Any ideas of a good field I can transition to?

I agree with damned if you do damned if you don't. Please know that as a nurse, assistants are so important to us. I value you and all that you do to make our patient care the best it can be ?

I was wondering if school nurses ever encounter violence towards them. I don't ever see it mentioned. I've had two students threaten me. It shocked the hell out of me because they were both 12! I work in a fairly diverse middle school but I have had student tell me to do my job, call me fat and two verbal threats. I've complained to the higher ups but they seem just overwhelmed with entitled parents. I know there are only a few more weeks till school is out but I'd like to know if for the future if there a different way to handle

I couldnt believe when I read your story! It was a mirror of me. I have been a RN for 6 years but have very little bedside experience. I'd have crippiling performance anxiety and draw blanks at the worst moments. It changed when I became a Summer camp nurse and discovered how much I loved working with kids. I started school nursing and have been a school nurse for 3 years. Im an agency nurse so the pay is very nice (although pay is falling). Im long term contract so I usually stay at a school for a year. It's nice because I meet new people and kids and get to work with different grades. Downside is nothing is guaranteed so there is always uncertainty of securing a position.

of course you would perform assesment and observation but a pulse ox can tell you right away their saturation and for kids who complain their hearts are beating so fast it gives a pulse and reassures the patient

well the very robotic answer I was given was that its DOE decision and we must follow their guidelines and protocol WOW!

Are you allowed to use pulse ox on students? In NY we cant which I find ridiculous since its such a valuable tool especially on our asthmatics.

I suck at math too so I was so scared taking Med Dosage. I practiced my butt off, watched YouTube videos on it and was able to be tutored by my teacher. Sometimes a professor can set you up with a tutor and that might help. Doesnt hurt to ask.

Please don't give up. If you really want to be a nurse then you will find a way. It seems you had to deal with a lot and of course nursing school doesnt make it any easier. My nursing journey was also a long one but it was done. Sending positive energy your way!

Perfect example of stay in your own lane moment. Always go to admin first.

Another option is to join a staffing agency. I fell into school nursing by working for a Summer camp that an agency set me up with. In September they asked if I wanted to work in a school and I gave it a shot and loved it. Agency pays very well, but of course no benefits or guarantee of placement. I do it thou because I like working in different school and for different grades.

It never ceases to amaze me how as nurses we are expected to be abused and just accept it. We get grief from admin who number crunch and teachers who thought that every sneeze or cough was Covid and not anything else like allergies or common colds, to parents who blatently lie and suffer no repercussions.

Is working with people giving you anxiety? or a fear of making mistakes? Or high pressure situations. You made it through nursing school and that is a big accomplishment. Give yourself credit for that! Maybe the environment is wrong for you. I found out early in my nursing career I did not like hospital nursing. Way too much stress and anxiety. I kept trying new areas until I found one that I love. If you want to stay in this clinic is actually performing skills on patients is what makes you nervous? I understand the shaking. I know how hard it is to overcome anxiety and trying to get a grip. It's easier said then done. Therapy is a good start and using this website too. Sending good energy your way!

Don't give up! I know its extremely annoying by failing by so little but I agree with many people who advise to meet with your teacher to find out what the problem is. I also like you have terrible test anxiety and nursing school is full of tests. I met with my teachers who showed me what my weaknesses were and gave me great test taking tips