School nurse or CICU for 50 yr old nurse?

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Dear Nurse Beth,

I am in the midst of two offers and need to choose between two positions : School Nurse (pay is actually better than expected but low by comparison) and CICU day/eve. Obviously the pros and cons vary between the two. I am in my early 50s. I've been wanting the cardiac hospital experience for a few years. (nursing is a second career for me so I am late to the game in this profession) I always thought I'd settle down in my later years as a school nurse working with kids. The health and (possible) financial instability of my husband has me leaning toward the CICU position for better pay, outlook, insurance cost & experience. The pros of the school job are obvious. Thanks for any advice.

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4 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Need to Choose,

I'm going with the school nurse position as a safer bet for long-term planning.

But that's only if you are included in your state's teacher's union and your union is strong. If so, the sooner you get in and vested, the better. You can save for retirement on your own, of course, but even if your hospital contributes to a plan, it can't beat a state employees' union.

We just can't predict with any certainty how long we're going to be able to work. You are already in your 50's, time flies, and bedside clinician jobs are very physical. 

I wouldn't recommend school nursing if you didn't think you'd like it, but you are open to it, so there is obviously already some appeal there.

Best wishes with your decision and your husband's health,

Nurse Beth

Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Check out Allnurses School Nursing forum for info on current issues they are facing due to Covid pandemic in addition to usual school nursing functions. Some states require School Nurse certification in order to be hired,

Our Critical Care forum offers advice to help make this decision. 

Best wishes in your nursing journey.

 

Specializes in ER/School/Rural Nursing/Health Department.

I chose to go into School Nursing when my kids went to school. I had taken a break from the ER when they were born/babies.  I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis shortly after my first pregnancy and despite loving the ER, I wasn't sure how my body would handle bedside nursing again.  

I enjoy it--the hours can't be beat (summers off, no holidays or weekends or nights!) but like you said the pay is the lower end of the nursing scale in general.  I love the relationships I've built with my students, have actually felt like I made an impact in some of their lives, and enjoy the teaching component (sex ED, dental health, hygiene, pregnancy, etc).  Also, I have found the school to be more relaxed if I call in with a sick kiddo than if I was in a hospital position so you might keep that in mind regarding possibly needing time off to help with your spouse.

The cons--pay, lack of adrenaline/use of high end RN skills.  

I do PRN in the Summer (my school doesn't have a Summer program) at our ER so I do get to stay current while still choosing my schedule.  So that is a possible option as well.   

Good luck with your decision!

Specializes in School Nursing.

School nursing all the way.  This is my second year as a school nurse.  I love it! I came from the ER where I quickly got burnt out with covid and understaffing etc. It's so much less stress, and you can't beat the hours. I work through my local healthcare corporation which staffs school nurses in certain areas.  So I still do have a manager to answer to, but also have support for questions which is nice.  The only problem is the Summer, but right now with shortages everywhere there shouldn't be a problem with picking up hours (and my manager tries to find you hours to work during breaks and the Summer which is also nice). I had stayed PRN in the ER for a year, but their PRN was too strict and wanted me to work too many hours to keep up.  If you can find a place that will work with you with your full-time hours that is also an option to make sure that you do not lose your skills. 

Also think about the long run as you get closer to retirement age, school nursing is so much easier on your back and body.  I got to the point where just thinking about lifting or pulling one more person up in bed wanted to make me cry. 

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