questions about getting into school nursing

[adpiRN]

I'm a new nurse currently working my first job in L&D.

School nursing is one of my areas of interest that I may try and move into after several more years of hospital nursing. NICU and Peds are two other areas I'd like to try while still in the hospital setting.

What type of experience do school nurses have? I assume a few years of pediatrics in a hospital would be good, right?

Is my L&D experience at all marketable for school nursing?

I have a BSN. Do most school nurses need masters degrees these days? Or a certification as a school nurse before you can apply?

I was also wondering if there's a difference between private schools and public schools as far as what they pay their school nurses and requirements like masters degrees or certifications for school nurses.

Thanks!

[bergren]

If you search this forum, you will find responses to similar posts.

"NICU and Peds are two other areas I'd like to try while still in the hospital setting." these would be great experience for school nursing.

"Is my L&D experience at all marketable for school nursing?" It is not a negative.

"I have a BSN. Do most school nurses need masters degrees these days?"

No, it depends on what state you are in.

" Or a certification as a school nurse before you can apply?" Again depends on what state.

"I was also wondering if there's a difference between private schools and public schools as far as what they pay their school nurses and requirements like masters degrees or certifications for school nurses."

Huge difference in pay between public and private. Many private do not require the state's requirements.

[adpiRN]

Thanks for the answers!

Do you mean that nurses at private schools get paid more than at public schools? Or the other way around?

[bergren]

Much less in private. I am sure there are exceptions.