School Nurse as a new LVN?

[moomin, LPN]

I am a new LVN currently working in a SNF for 2 months. I applied for a school nurse position but I wonder if it is better to get more experience first? The SNF I work at is very stressful. I am also wondering how the stress of being a school nurse compares to the stress of working at a SNF? Any comments would be appreciated.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

In school nursing, you are ALONE in making snap clinical decisions without someone to discuss situation Not a position for a new grad.

I'd be leery of any school that would hire a new grad. All new positions are stressful--takes a year to find a groove. Try and stay at the SNF as long as you can as every position is stressful due to these pandemic times.

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

7 hours ago, NRSKarenRN said:

In school nursing, you are ALONE in making snap clinical decisions without someone to discuss situation Not a position for a new grad.

I'd be leery of any school that would hire a new grad. All new positions are stressful--takes a year to find a groove. Try and stay at the SNF as long as you can as every position is stressful due to these pandemic times.

Excellent points.

Also, consider LVN scope of practice in your state. In my state (MA), LVNs work under RNs in the school setting. They can't assess on their own and school nursing is full of autonomy and assessments. Add in COVID and it is overwhelming right now even for those of us with years of experience.

I've hired a LPN for this fall that I'll be supervising and delegating to. But I didn't hire a new grad LPN - I did hire a seasoned one with a few years experience in pediatrics because that is what I needed this fall.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

Welcome and I don't want to discourage you....

In your state, what may you as an LVN do on your own and what requires supervision?

I supervise an LVN off site, and much of that is virtual but we meet monthly. Will you have the same supervision? If not....your new license is flapping in the wind. I hate the sound of my license flapping in the wind...

Good luck!

[Rocio8809, LPN]

Hi there,

I've been an LVN working for a school district for almost 3 years. I was hired as a new grad. I actually wanted to go into school nursing before graduating, since its been a specialty I researched before and had long since wanted to work at. Let me just say that school nursing is a specialty that its not for everyone. The paid is not that great as you would get paid at a your SNF job. Unless you negotiate salary with them to pay you what you want, that would be great. You have to be totally independent and trust your instincts and judgment while assessing the situation. You must love working with students and teachers and have LOTS OF PATIENCE with dealing with teachers ?. Some teachers will try to tell you how to do your job.?. You will mostly be doing office work and give emotional support to all students. Occasionally you will have meds to pass but not alot like in a SNF would.You will have slow days and crazy busy days.Regardless, I say if you don't mind the pay and different environment you will work with, go for it! Its a rewarding experience working with students. 

[Nurse Trini]

I'm an LPN in the school, but not "the" school nurse.    They just wanted someone who could review some of the paperwork and handle a few quasimedical stuff.   Anybody truly sick or injured goes to the RN in the building.   Of course this year I've been backing her up doing temperature screenings and such.