Scared straight- new to school nursing

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Specializes in Case Management & Med-Surg.

I am overjoyed, I finally got into school nursing after 25 years. I have been an LVN working in Med-Surg, Home Health, Hospice Care, Pediatrics and Managed. I recently completed my ADN-RN 2011 an my BSN 05'12. I need to know where to began with school nursing. Of course, I ready the School Nursing blog everyday. I am just wondering if there are any other new school nurses out there. I would love advice on where to start. The school I will be working at is Middle School 6th-8th grades. Welcome any advice!

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Make sure and teach the children how to lift properly -wouldn't want anyone hurting their precious back now would we?

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Specializes in Acute Care, CM, School Nursing.

Congrats! School nursing is awesome, you are going to LOVE it!

I am just finishing up my first year as an elementary school nurse. The best advice I was given is that the first year will be insane! There is a lot to learn. But I can already see how next year will be much better for me, now that I know my school, the staff, the students, and the "routine".

I'm excited for you! :yeah:

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Congrats! School nursing is awesome, you are going to LOVE it!

I am just finishing up my first year as an elementary school nurse. The best advice I was given is that the first year will be insane! There is a lot to learn. But I can already see how next year will be much better for me, now that I know my school, the staff, the students, and the "routine".

I'm excited for you! :yeah:

I agree! Ask lots of questions on here and find another school nurse either within your district or close by that you can call when you need to run something by someone. Good luck!

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Specializes in Case Management & Med-Surg.

Thanks for the advice!

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Specializes in Case Management & Med-Surg.

Thanks so much for your advice.

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Get your hands on as much school nurse info as possible. School Nursing: A comprehensive text is my bible, also Individualized health plans for the school nurse. It WILL be overwhelming your first year - just hang in there. The light bulbs went off for me about year 3!

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Specializes in cardiology, community, school nursing.

Thanks SchoolNurse! I, too, have just accepted a position as a school nurse -- in a large urban school district in Texas. I am nervous and excited. I am bracing myself for a little craziness over the next couple of years. Fortunately, I will be working with a close friend who teaches there and the nurse at a nearby school has offered to be a resource (and emotional support).

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I too am a new school nurse, as well as a new nurse (got my RN in June). I got a job as a district school nurse, which means K-12 and about 1600 students. After three days on the job, boy am I overwhelmed. The thing is, there hasn't been a full time nurse at the school for 4-5 years so they are all very excited that I am there (which is awesome!) but I also have a lot to learn and figure out without anyone to follow. There was a district health clerk and a subcontracted nurse who solely did insulin injections for one student but I a basically starting over...and when I don't even really know how I am going to do it. One day at a time though, and reading this forum will help. If everyone says that the first year is really hard, then at least I won't expect my first year to be any different. Just get through it, learn a lot, expect to make some mistakes, and don't forget to take a lunch break (I haven't taken one in the last three days).

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I am a new school nurse and new RN too. It is overwhelming, but luckily I have had experience working in a schools setting before. If any other of the new (or "old") school nurses want to form a little 2012-2013 survival group outside of this forum (whether through email or PMs) I would definitely be up for it. :-D

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

To the new RN/ New school nurses:

Congrats on your jobs. When it seems like you are going to coma apart at the seams, stop... breathe... you can do this.. we can help.

My advice to you both is to read read read everything school health related you can get your hands on. Take relevant courses online or at local colleges. Join the national association of school nurses - www.nasn.org - they have a wealth of info that can help you. Join any local school nursing organizations - and network, network, network. Of course we will be here as an online resource, but it's helpful to make a few friends in nearby schools too to answer your questions. And don't be afraid to ask questions - i have been in school nursing for 9 years and i have my fair share of "silly questions" that i've posted on here.

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Absolutely, I would love it!! I definitely need help. My email is [email protected]. Please email me so that we can start creating the group.

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