School nurse position @ my children's school

Flare, ASN, BSN · Feb 19, 2011

i just say this - i have inside info that the school nurse in my town's elementary school may be retiring soon. She actually told me and joked that she picked me for her replacement. While i'm tenured and don't work too far from home, am i going to apply and interview when the time comes! You bet!

Anyhow, i digress - overall school nursing can be very difficult but very rewarding. You have to remember that you are the SOLE medical provider and all the descions fall squarely on your shoulders. It's a lot more than ice packs and band aids. It's children with complex, chronic illnesses and issues. It's mountains of chart review and paperwork, it's taking on an entire building worth of children, all of whom become "one of your kids". Apply, interview, and best of luck!

momnurse23 · Feb 19, 2011

I work in my children's school and I have to say it was an answered prayer. Absolutely the best situation for our family. I don't make half of what I made before but oh my goodness the time with my children is priceless. I worked home health before this job and even part-time I was always on call and had tons of charting to do when I was home. The experience was great for this - I got comfortable being independent in nursing which you have to be when you're the only nurse in a patient's home and now the only nurse on campus but of course in HH I was working with 99% geriatric and now it's 99% pediatric with the occasional staff member thrown in. I love what I do now. Of course there are days I need to vent/complain about this or that but honestly now I can't imagine doing anything else, especially being a mom.

Read through this site a lot and talk to other school nurses. It gives you a great picture of what school nursing is, but also keep an open mind. The nurse who held the position before me warned me about the difficult staff always sending every little thing and second guessing you and I was all prepared to deal with that, but you know what? I don't find them that way at all. What I have found are teachers who are sincerely concerned about their students and when you take the time to talk to them they listen. Of course there's always "that" teacher or "that" parapro that's going to second guess you but for the most part they take your word as the "resident medical expert.":nurse:

Good Luck !

hammergirl5 · Feb 20, 2011

I love my job! The pay is half of what I made at a major university medical center here in Richmond, VA ... but the time with my family and being there for them is priceless. The job itself is very rewarding ... I totally agree with momnurse23 ... she couldn't have said it any better, as I was going to say nearly the exact same thing ... minus the home health.

SchoolNurseBSN · Feb 21, 2011

As long as you don't go in thinking that it is easy! As someone else mentioned, you are the only medical person on campus and that can be very hard at times. Staff can be very demanding, parents can get very angry, etc.

I love it! I can't see myself doing anything else. The time off is great and you truly can make a difference in families lives.

Guest717236 · Feb 21, 2011

Hi Tara,

My vote is apply for the position. You should have the support for

consult with the other nurses in your school system. Be aware that

some systems have the school nurse travel to more than one school.

Some states require a state school nurse certification (different

than a board cert), so check with the other school nurses to

see if something like this is required.

It is challenging day to day, but interesting and rewarding!

Good luck and let us know how things turn out for you!

mycsm · Feb 23, 2011

You have nothing to lose when you apply. Being the only medical person in your school is a tad bit daunting, however the positive aspects are amazing. I am a nurse in my chidlrens district and love that I am off the same exact days they are, no more scrambling for child care coverage. I love when kids see me outisde the school and run up to me like we're best friends. Parents trust you to care for their kids and again, that in itself can be scary, but remember your a nurse first and foremost, you have the skills. Good Luck!

rukiddingme · Feb 25, 2011

My daughter (age 11) says, "Mom, you know the nurse also works in the office and helps with the library books".

Which sounds pretty strange to me. Maybe because it's such a small school, she has to do these other things also. I left a voice mail for the Superintendent/Principal on Wed. but haven't yet heard back from him.

I told him I was looking for a little clarification on the job position - such as how soon does he need the replacement to start, about the non-nurse duties, and regarding their health insurance.

Still waiting for a call back.

rukiddingme · Mar 10, 2011

Went for interview for the position. The Super/Principal asked me questions, the lady currently in the position was present and talked about her duties. When they got done, he started to give me the 'bones' of the position, and the benefits -- the position was going to be only 27.5 hrs per week, pay: $12-$14 per hour, no insurance.

The current lady doing the job isn't even a nurse anymore. She used to be an LPN, but let her license lapse.

So now they want an actual nurse, but only for part time hours. I told them I needed full-time work in this economy to even consider the position, so I was there for 45 minutes and it was basically a waste of all of our time. Wish I had known it was only part time hours before sending in my coverletter/resume.

mycsm · Mar 10, 2011

Wow used to be an LPN and let her license lapse...KNUCKLEHEAD. If you need F/T and Insurance then this particular position was not for you...it's okay just move on. The school is taking a huge risk not having a licensed f/t nurse care for the kids, but maybe when they realize the calibar (sp) of what they will get, they will increase the hours and $$.

good Luck