School Nurse Certifications/Programs/Advanced Degrees?

[RNJacques]

Hello allnurses community!

Short of it: Seeking advanced education opportunities to prepare for the role of School Nurse. 

Longer version: I attended nursing school during Covid and my community clinical rotation was completed remotely. I had high hopes for shadowing a school nurse to gain experience and confidence. That said, I have been substitute nursing at our local schools here in Maine. I absolutely love it and would like a permanent position. I am seeking advanced training [certs, programs, or advanced degrees hence the title] to best prepare myself for what a full-time school nurse will truly entail [common or uncommon care, IEP & 504 responsibilities, screenings, emergency care, etc.]. So, I am seeking guidance on any advanced learning opportunities that I could complete to finally feel prepared to take on this role. Guidance and advice?

Again, licensed in Maine. Thank you in advance! 

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

You have taken a great step forward by subbing. BLS, FA and CPR,  continuing education offered by Maine School Nurse Association. Join them and NASN. Maine has their conference at the beginning of May. As a member of NASN, there are tons of free CEU offerings and lots of practical information and tool kits. If you have your BSN you can sit  for the NASN certification after  you have  met practice hours requirements. Good Luck!

[RNJacques]

Thank you so much!

[k1p1ssk, BSN, RN]

Fellow New Englander here, and you can also check out the course offerings from BUSHIELD and NEUSHA. These are programs through Boston University and Northeastern. Much of the content is for Massachusetts school nurses, but much of it could definitely apply in other states, and several of their courses can be audited for free!

[RNJacques]

Wonderful, thank you!