pay in NJ

bergren · May 5, 2003

For questions about specific states, you can always go to the NASN web site http://www.nasn.org and go to the state affiliates link:

http://www.nasn.org/affiliates/governancemap.htm

But if it is like most states, salaries can vary sharply from district to district depending on which bargaining group the school nurses are in.

Jeanine · Sep 19, 2003

Kerri,

I don't know if all school diatricts are the same, but we are in the NJEA (the teacher's union). We get paid the same as teachers and we are required to hold a Certified School Nurse certificate from the state of NJ. The only way around that is if there are no certified school nurses applying for the position. That almost exclusively happens in the bigger cities like Jersey City, Newark, Paterson, etc... Most school districts won't reimburse you for the certification because it is in pursuit of the minimum certification needed for the position. They will reimburse you for your credits towards a Master's degree according to the contract in effect that year. I got reimbursed for 9 credits a few years ago.

MomNRN, BSN, RN · Sep 20, 2003

Jeanine -

How lucky you are. I envy you. I would love to see our district go to this, but it won't happen.

Jeanine · Sep 20, 2003

The New Jersey State School Nurses Association was integral in getting school nurses better pay and status. They helped write and pass legislation forcing there to be at least one state certified school nurse in every "school complex" in the state. Granted, they only have to pay that one RN the fair and just salary, but it's a step in the right direction. The rest are usually hired as aides, some without any sick time or benefits. Unfortunately, many RN's will work for practically nothing (hoping that someone will retire or move) if they feel they have a chance to get a position. Check with your state's school nurse's association and try to get similar legislation passed. You never know, you may start a movement!!