School nurse practitioner

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If i am interested in working as a school nurse in the future and I understand that i can fall back on my RN license.... but is it better to pursue an FNP or PNP degree? I would be interested in school nursing as a part time position in the future, but wasn't sure which degree specialization is preferred in the schools? Also, if you have an MSN do you get paid more than working just as a BSN grad?

Thanks for the input!

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

School nurses do not get paid anywhere near as much. And if it goes anything like being a teacher-more education will not get you a job. They cut corners wherever they can. You could not pay me enough to be a school nurse. Here in NC, they have 3-4 schools (which gives them maybe a day and a half each school) and all they do is paperwork (not that is not what a lot of nursing is anyway). I haven't been able to find out what they make, but I don't think any of them have advanced degrees.

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

It really doesn't have any benefit to be a nurse practitioner in a school. The masters is beneficial as most districts will pay you at a higher rate of pay - but you won't have an opportunity to really practice your skills if you are an NP. I am considering my MSN in nursing education.

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I worked briefly as a school nurse - it can be very stressful, and, in general, the pay is very poor. Most nurses do it so they can have the same calendar as their kids.

If there is anything really serious, the parents get called, and the kid gets picked up.

There may be some large school districts that have a nurse who oversees the entire district, sets the policy and protocols, coordinates testing, etc.

I gave out a lot of behavioral meds!!

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

We have a district in our area that has medical clinics in some elementary, middle and high schools. They are staffed by nurse practitioners who perform physicals, provide preventive care, manage chronic conditions and see kids for minor illness/injuries.

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@Jolie: Are they FNPs or PNPs?

Thanks to all who have helped! Definitely welcome more feedback!

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

The ones I know personally are PNPs. I don't know if the job description requires it, though.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

My district has school based clinics (SBC's) that are staffed by both PNPs and FNPs. I could see pros and cons to both. With the PNP you get the stronger emphasis on pedi, but with FNP you can see everyone, which in a school setting is a big plus (staff illnesses, injuries to visitors or parents, etc). I would check with the specific districts or SBCs you are interested in and see what they staff with.

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