SCHOOL NURSE INTERVIEW WITH PRINCIPAL

LikeTheDeadSea, MSN, RN · Jan 30, 2019

I'd say this is more of an "are you a good fit for our staff/community?" type of interview. At least in my past experience. Show up with a good understanding of the demographic the school serves.

In most schools the administrator is technically your boss, so even if they don't know anything about Nursing-related policies and such, they want to know how you would be an an employee.

Also it's a good time for you to gauge how supportive they will be of your decisions, as this varies GREATLY from administrator to administrator

k1p1ssk, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2019

They may want to know how you would handle a crisis situation, learn about your particular style of prioritization, and yeah, your personality/how well you'll mesh with the school community. When I interviewed, I was with the Principal, the AA, The adjustment counselor, and the former school nurse... They didn't want to know much about my history other than "why school nursing?" and more if you're going to be a good fit to work with kids and adults!

OldDude · Jan 30, 2019

There is quite the discussion of this on previous posts here but I'm not sure the search criteria to narrow it down with the new web site...but don't wear scrubs or cowboy boots to the interview - good luck! keep us posted!

Keeperofbandages, LPN · Jan 30, 2019

When I switched from a Public to a Charter School, I interviewed with the Principal and the Current Nurse of the School (that I would be replacing). My Principal was asking things such as why school health?, How would you handle xyz situation, why I wanted to leave my current position. My principal made me feel very at ease during the interview. When I first walked through the front office doors for the interview, my secretary met me with a warm smile and made me feel so welcome to the school. I remember walking out to my car from my interview thinking that I felt like I was at "home". My principal called me less than 2 hours after my interview offering me the job... the kicker with him was that I couldn't give him my answer then, I had to call him the next day. ? He did not want me to make a rash decision based on how I liked the school. I did do a shadow day here before the nurse left and then I started in August full time. I would not change my decision to switch for anything,

yaRNthrower, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2019

Hello,

I have had a few different school nurse interviews in the last few years and these were some of the questions. The things listed by the above posters were there and I was also asked:

What would you do if a med error occurred?

How would you handle an angry parent in general?

How would you handle an angry parent that had to take their child to the ER for an appendectomy last night after you had seen the child in your clinic, sent them back to class, and did not call to let the parents know you had seen the child that day?

If you have any experience with diabetes, seizures, ADHD, Mic-Key buttons, tube feedings of any variety, feeding pumps, trachs, etc ?

Emergency response experience.

What are you ideas about organizing a health fair?

Had I ever had to call CPS?

Tell us what you know about HIPPA / FERPA in the school setting.

Tell us what you know about ARDs, 504s, and IDEA.

Those last two were at a large district and it didn't play. I was glad I had experience as a school nurse or I wouldn't have had a clue.

Always be ready with the good old give us three strengths and weaknesses answers too. Not everyone has asked but a few did.

Have a few questions for them as well at the end of the interview even if you already know the answers. As Like the Dead Sea said to be familiar with the school demographics just in case they ask. Find out if they are Title I, what is their free and reduced lunch status if it is a lower socioeconomic environment. Ask what are your student's parents like? What is their level of involvement?

Best of luck and I hope it all goes well. Just know you have a great place here on Allnurses to ask questions.

Let us know how it goes.

ruby_jane, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2019

Just now, yaRNthrower said:
Hello,
I have had a few different school nurse interviews in the last few years and these were some of the questions. The things listed by the above posters were there and I was also asked:
What would you do if a med error occurred?
How would you handle an angry parent in general?
How would you handle an angry parent that had to take their child to the ER for appendectomy last night after you had seen the child and sent them back to class and did not call them?
If you have any experience with diabetes, seizures, ADHD, Mic-Key buttons, tube feedings of any variety, feeding pumps, trachs, etc ?
Emergency response experience.
What are you ideas about organizing a health fair?
Had I ever had to call CPS?
Tell us what you know about HIPPA / FERPA in the school setting.
Tell us what you know about ARDs, 504s, and IDEA.
Those last two were at a large district and it didn't play. I was glad I had experience as a school nurse or I wouldn't have had a clue.
Always be ready with the good old give us three strengths and weaknesses answers too. Not everyone has asked but a few did.
Have a few questions for them as well at the end of the interview even if you already know the answers. As Like the Dead Sea said to be familiar with the school demographics just in case they ask. Find out if they are Title I, what is their free and reduced lunch status if it is a lower socioeconomic environment. Ask what are your student's parents like? What is their level of involvement?
Best of luck and I hope it all goes well. Just know you have a great place here on Allnurses to ask questions.
Let us know how it goes.

Amen to all that. Also, when you're asked if you're any questions:

What are YOU looking for in a nurse? Why did the last one leave?

Also try to assess what is the most important thing to the principal - is it keeping students in their learning environment or is it placating parents and letting the parents come at any time to get the kid whether it's medical or not? You'll figure out a nicer way to ask that.

Good luck!

yaRNthrower, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2019

Due to my hubby's job we move pretty frequently so I have more experience at this than I care to admit.

A specific one that I forgot was a prioritization question.

You have a kiddo in the clinic with a fever waiting for parents, a student walks in having an asthma attack, and you get a call on the radio that you are needed on the playground. What do you do?

Also, be up on asthma, EPI-PENS, food allergies. How could I forget as this is the cornerstone of my practice ?

All of the principals have made me feel at ease as well. I have been in with just the principal during one interview. The principal, the APs, counselor, clinic aide, and his secretary during the other. The DON for the whole district for another.

Don't worry just be yourself.

You will be great.

tining, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2019

Look at the school web sight - dig in there. How well do you know the required immunizations per grade level?

Questions: How many students, is there a Life Skills classroom, are there any procedures - tube feeding, caths etc. Are you required to attend after school events (one school I worked at=yes - every event, the other no). Is there a counselor or social worker every day or part time?

I've heard they do not like to hear you want to become a school nurse for the schedule.

yaRNthrower, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2019

20 minutes ago, tining said:
I've heard they do not like to hear you want to become a school nurse for the schedule.

Good to know.

tining, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2019

Hope you get the spot & join us in the School Nurse Breakroom!

Nurse Tilly, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2019

Thanks y'all for the advice. I hope I get it.. ?