School nurse for special education and disabilities

bsyrn, ASN, RN · Jul 10, 2018

Honestly, as a new grad RN, this would not be a good position for you. As a school nurse, you are pretty much on your own ( you may have some phone support from your medical director or other district nurses). It is difficult enough in a "normal" school setting where you will have some kids with medical/social/psychological needs. Going into a school like you described will be very difficult without a strong nursing/school nursing knowledge base. If this is what you would like to do, I strongly suggest getting some nursing experience first.

aparamo03 · Jul 10, 2018

There are 40 students, maybe a handful are multi-needs and those I will mostly be working with. Is there anything you suggest I should ask the employer to really know the depth of support, etc? I accepted the position and signed a contract for my intent to be employed.

Neats, BSN · Jul 10, 2018

I would find out the top 10 medical issues this school has and learn a lot about them to prepare. So if a student has seizures I would study about pediatric seizures, medication associated with this issues...i.e. keppra. Do this with each disease. Do this is the top 5 mental health issue. You have a lot of home work ahead of you. I would also keep nursing books around me. Good luck.

aparamo03 · Jul 10, 2018

Thank you so much for this information and your help. Much appreciated!

algae1492 · Jul 10, 2018

I do not see an issue with you working as a new grad. Know your skills: gtube, suction, trach etc. Review school/district guidelines for procedures and emergencies. Be open to parent input as they are ones who care for children majority of the time. Keep phone numbers of school nurses you can contact for support or advice. Advocate for the students. Review all the student IEPs and accommodations as soon as possible. Be on top of your assessment skills; you will encounter students not able to communicate their needs.

Search this site for additional suggestions, because i'm sure the question has been asked before.

aparamo03 · Jul 10, 2018

Thank you very much for your advice, very helpful!

paban_, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2019

Hi aparamo03,

I’m hoping that you’re still active on this site since I too am interested in going into a Special Ed school nurse position. What was your experience like at your job? Would you recommend it to someone else?

aparamo03 · Jun 30, 2019

I love working with the students and interacting with them. It is hard for me to figure out exactly what is going on with some students because of their disabilities and communication difficulties but I do get help from the teachers and the paraprofessionals that have known the students a long time. I have learned different ways to communicate better to suit their needs and I have done extensive teaching as well to help them better communicate their needs. It really is a rewarding job working with my students.

paban_, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2019

That does sound like very rewarding work! How have the technical parts of the job been for you (trachs, tube feeds, etc)? What do you do on a typical day?

aparamo03 · Jun 30, 2019

You will have to organize your work to accommodate the students needs. My days consist on the "knows" and then everything in between you just deal with.

The "knows" are the students I "know" will be in my office and what time they should be there. Typical days are very organized. Med administration, I have g tube flushes and feedings. Poorly managed asthma etc.

My technical skills were pretty much still known, I was not out of nursing school long. I did bring my books in, just to look up certain things to refresh. I also liked looking in their files to make myself more familiar with their conditions which does help understand certain issues they are facing.

You will get the headache, stomachache, check for pink eye, etc but you of course never know when. Once you get acquainted with your students it does become easier to see that there is something going on with them. Like, this student doesnt look the same, something might be going on.. I don't have a huge school which makes that easier.

paban_, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2019

Thanks so much for all your input! It’s been really helpful and given me confidence in pursuing a special Ed nurse position. How long did it take you to feel comfortable in your new role? What’s the best and worst part of your job?