REINVENTING SELF

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

Originally posted by DHS:

I am 45 year old Rn who shortly after graduating from nursing school left the clinical nursing scene due to burn out. I have worked in Utilization Review/Case mgmt for an insurance company x 14 yrs.

I was courted to a Case Management position at a hospital that I worked closely with and was laid off 3 months later. I find myself taking a serious look at what my career is and what it needs to be. I've always had an interest in School Nursing but was deterred by the requirements. I have a Bachelors, not in nursing.

There seems to be a catch 22 regarding this specialty area, you have to have experience to get certified but no one will hire you with out experience or certification. Am I missing something?

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