Is school nursing for me?

JB · Apr 25, 2001

Originally posted by Ann4:
I am interested in becoming a school nurse but wondered what qualifications are best? I have eight years experience in oncology, ICU and ER. Not really much peds experience. Can any school nurses fill me in on what it's really like to be a school nurse? Thanks!

Hi Ann - I am a new school nurse this year. I have been a pediatric nurse for 17 years, and that has been the most valuable experience for this position At my school I am on my own. There are no other medical personel to bounce things off of. I take care of minor cuts, bruses, bites, bloody noses and tears as well as broken bones and emergencies. I find that I am everyone's confidant. There are many opportunities for teaching kids, parents and teachers. I am everyone's resource for medical information, and for referring to doctors, dentists, and optomitrists. I review and maintain everyone's medical history. I teach health classes and growth and development classess. I also write policies. I do health assessments, give medication, check heads for lice, respond to all emergencies, and judge airplane models. It's a wonderful job. What they are paying you for is your expertise. You have to be very comfortable with pediatric assessments, pediatric issues, working with parents, and standing up for the health care needs of the population you are caring for. You are the educator when it comes to health issues.