Relevant experience to be a MA school nurse?

GatezRN · May 5, 2015

It should. It is relevant clinical experience, but you could always call and check. I came from the hospital.... no peds experience. First year and loving it! Finished up all my DESE requirements in March. Best of luck to you!

scomeauRN · May 7, 2015

Thanks for your reply! Can you walk me through the application process a little bit? I am looking at public schools and I have heard they will hire you before you get your initial license is this right? Or do I need to take the MTEL and get an initial license before I even apply? I'd like to start applying now to get in for this school year... So in my mind the steps would be

1: Apply

2: Take MTEL

3: Apply for initial license

4: Take orientation courses

Also would you wait until you were offered a position to move forward to taking the MTEL etc?

I understand the requirements but not sure about the order that all these things need to be done... I want to be competitive when I apply but at the same time it would be nice to save the money on the test/orientation until I know I have a position, especially since I have heard of schools that pay for it... but I also don't want to be passed up for not having them...

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · May 7, 2015

Thanks for your reply! Can you walk me through the application process a little bit? I am looking at public schools and I have heard they will hire you before you get your initial license is this right? Or do I need to take the MTEL and get an initial license before I even apply? I'd like to start applying now to get in for this school year... So in my mind the steps would be
1: Apply
2: Take MTEL
3: Apply for initial license
4: Take orientation courses
Also would you wait until you were offered a position to move forward to taking the MTEL etc?
I understand the requirements but not sure about the order that all these things need to be done... I want to be competitive when I apply but at the same time it would be nice to save the money on the test/orientation until I know I have a position, especially since I have heard of schools that pay for it... but I also don't want to be passed up for not having them...

I'm in the process of applying myself. You can sometimes get on a sub list without licensure, which is also a great way to get your foot in the door. I was a sub in MA public school direct without licensure.

You do to take the orientation before applying for a license. In fact, I recommend taking them before subbing if you have the money. They are actually awesome and MA does have a wonderful network of school nurses and those training courses are a good way to start gaining contacts - you can even put your name on a list there that they pass for potential subs. The courses (4 are required) require 5 days of your time and about $300. Totally worth it.

If you haven't already, visit Northeastern University School Health Institute for info on the required courses.

I did land a charter school job after subbing in public school direct that has covered the cost of the courses, but that isn't always the cause :).

GatezRN · May 7, 2015

I agree with Jen-Elizabeth. Take the orientation courses if you can. They are offered several times throughout the year. The three courses you will need are Professional School Nurse Practice in MA (2 days), Medication Delegation (1 day), and Mandatory Screenings (1 day). You can register on line through NEUSHI www.neushi.org. The MTEL you also register on line for - Communication and Literacy, and Writing. You can take the two sub-tests together in a 4 hour block, or take them separately. I did them together and finished with only 5 minutes to spare.

Once you have passed the MTEL exams, have your BSN, and the certificates from the orientation programs, you can apply for certification. It takes a few weeks. Many districts will hire before you are certified.

After a decade in hospital nursing, I needed a change. I was apprehensive when a school nursing opportunity presented, but I took the job and I'm so glad I did. I absolutely love it! Sub if you can to get your foot in the door. The money for subbing stinks, but its the best way to get in. Best of luck!!!

scomeauRN · May 8, 2015

Hi everyone, thanks for the advice! I have read on the other forums about subbing, but I just don't think it will work for me. I work 4 overnights during the week and my husband works 80 hours/week and I have a 2 year old so not much flexibility in my schedule... I will apply first then and hope they hire me without the certs! I know it would not be a huge deal to get them, its just a matter of taking the time off of work... my facility has staffing issues so it is very hard to get time, if I take it then there goes my vacation for the rest of the year :/ I will look into taking the MTEL though...

scomeauRN · May 8, 2015

Oh and I already have my BSN. So the DOE will accept LTC experience as "relevant clinical experience"? And is 24-32 hours/week for two years enough to qualify for two full years employment?

GatezRN · May 11, 2015

It should. You can always call and ask. Have a great week!