School Nurse Certification?

[mom2knjj]

I recently completed my BSN and have had a couple interviews for school nurse positions. I know there is a certification that some school nurses have, but I've heard that a lot of schools won't hire you if you have it already because they don't want to pay you the higher salary. So, I was thinking about starting the classes but doing it slowly so I will finish after I'm hired on somewhere. My question is, where is this certificate offered, and is it something I can do online, like with my BSN? (I'm in Ohio, if that makes a difference.) Thank you!

[amoLucia]

Check with your State BON to see if certification is required by Ohio. Some states mandate certification so some school districts have no option but to hire certified nurses. No options if your state is so mandated.

Also school nurses freq are in Civil Service positions, so there might not be much wiggle room re salary.

Some of the more knowledgeable school nurses can help with your continuing education question. They are an awesome bunch.

By the way, welcome to AN.

[RatherBHiking, BSN, RN]

I've never heard of them not wanting to hire a nurse because of a higher salary after getting the state certification. It's required within the first year of hire and we don't get a raise with it. Now the National Certification is one that some districts will pay you more for, maybe that's what you've heard. However, you can only apply to take that after having at least a year's full time experience. In our district, if you have your certification already it puts you over any applicants that don't so I don't see where it could hurt you to get it. You're best bet is to call your local district and ask them directly for advice. You can also ask them where to go through locally to get your school nurse certification. Its usually offered online through some local college(s) that offer it.

[maryel]

One district I worked for in Texas only required a BSN. The one I work for now just requires an RN. I know California requires the certificate within a year.

[Windchaser22]

Cert is required in NJ before hiring unless the district is desperate. The stumbling block here seems to be if you already have your masters because it will automatically bump you up financially on the teachers pay scale. Definitely check with your BON and dept of education. I did mine at Rutgers but the program is specific to NJ requirements. A fellow school nurse did hers in PA and the NJ dept of education gave her a hard time with the certification. There really should be a national standard.

[SnugglePuggle, MSN, RN]

I am not sure if certification is the same as licensure. However, I completed a School Nurse Licensure program here in Ohio which allowed me to get a Professional Pupil Services License - School Nurse. I completed an online program over the course of 2 semesters - Summer and Fall. The class met only 2 times on site. Licensure is not required in the State of Ohio, and not many districts in my area require it. However, school nurse positions are hard to come by and there are many applicants when a position comes up. I think Licensure makes one stand out!

I plan to start the process of obtaining National Certification by the end of this year. Two years of experience is preferred.