School Nursing- First job as RN

rdsxfnrn · Sep 10, 2010

you'll be fine. there is alot to learn, but you'll get it. i did that last year, new nurse, new school nurse. lots to learn but it is certainly doable. i'm still here :)

Jw1724 · Sep 10, 2010

you'll be fine. there is alot to learn, but you'll get it. i did that last year, new nurse, new school nurse. lots to learn but it is certainly doable. i'm still here :)

thank you :) a big concern of mine is gaining respect from parents/teachers as i am only 22, and look 18 haha.

ASandRN · Sep 10, 2010

I am in the exact same boat!! But I am 24 and look 17 :)

About a month ago I was hired as the district nurse and am in charge of 5 schools and 4 LPNs!

It is overwhelming, but good experience and great hours. I don't see myself as doing this forever, but it is going alright. Sooo much to learn and lots of paperwork and minimal student interaction for me... but will look great on a resume and it is experience.

Good luck.

The hardest part for me is that you have to totally rely on your self as everyone else is in the business of education and not health care. They don't fully understand your language, your concerns, or your questions.

It is definitely different than acute care!

rdsxfnrn · Sep 10, 2010

just wear scubs and keep your "professional" face on. when they get to know you and respect you, you can let your guard down a bit. for now, just fly under the radar!

Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2010

Since your clinical instructor recommended you, I am assuming she knows your abilities and your assessment skills. If she has faith in you, have faith in yourself! I got into school nursing after a very short stint in the hospital, and although the learning curve is steep, it is doable for someone with good assessment skills and a strong support system. It sounds like you have both. Good luck, and welcome to school nursing!

Jw1724 · Sep 11, 2010

Thank you to you all! I really appreciate the encouragement! I hope to keep in contact for when I need some advice

Jw1724 · Sep 11, 2010

I am in the exact same boat!! But I am 24 and look 17 :)
About a month ago I was hired as the district nurse and am in charge of 5 schools and 4 LPNs!
It is overwhelming, but good experience and great hours. I don't see myself as doing this forever, but it is going alright. Sooo much to learn and lots of paperwork and minimal student interaction for me... but will look great on a resume and it is experience.
Good luck.
The hardest part for me is that you have to totally rely on your self as everyone else is in the business of education and not health care. They don't fully understand your language, your concerns, or your questions.
It is definitely different than acute care!

I'd like to keep in contact with you so we can share some experiences!

SchoolNurseBSN · Sep 11, 2010

Since your clinical instructor recommended you, I am assuming she knows your abilities and your assessment skills. If she has faith in you, have faith in yourself! I got into school nursing after a very short stint in the hospital, and although the learning curve is steep, it is doable for someone with good assessment skills and a strong support system. It sounds like you have both. Good luck, and welcome to school nursing!

Same here, VERY SHORT time in hopital after graduation. 5 years in and I am now responsible for orienting the new nurses in my district. It can be done! I still learn and seek new info everyday to improve my practice and help those I mentor!

geocachingRN · Sep 12, 2010

Consider joining NASN and go to the regional meetings. There you will meet experienced school nurses who will provide support when something comes up. Also, your county may have a monthly meeting with other school nurses and try to go to that as well. They will keep you updated on infectious disease outbreaks and reporting requirements. As a school nurse, you are doing it all. You are the Public Health nurse as well as the first aid provider so there is a lot to learn. I started right out of school, too, but I went to work for a district with wonderful experienced nurses who are great mentors. Lastly, San Jose State University used to have a school nurse credential program (in CA we are required to get a credential similar to teachers), that is still archived online. When I started I didn't know the difference between a 504 and an IEP and I found these videos very useful, perhaps there is something similar in the state that you work. Good luck to you!

Jw1724 · Sep 12, 2010

Consider joining NASN and go to the regional meetings. There you will meet experienced school nurses who will provide support when something comes up. Also, your county may have a monthly meeting with other school nurses and try to go to that as well. They will keep you updated on infectious disease outbreaks and reporting requirements. As a school nurse, you are doing it all. You are the Public Health nurse as well as the first aid provider so there is a lot to learn. I started right out of school, too, but I went to work for a district with wonderful experienced nurses who are great mentors. Lastly, San Jose State University used to have a school nurse credential program (in CA we are required to get a credential similar to teachers), that is still archived online. When I started I didn't know the difference between a 504 and an IEP and I found these videos very useful, perhaps there is something similar in the state that you work. Good luck to you!

Thanks so much for the tips! I will look into all of that, anything that will help :)

LACA, BSN, LPN, RN · Sep 13, 2010

I heard about the position I'm currently in being available on a Tuesday, I was interviewed on Wednesday and was offered the job on Friday. The nurse that I was replacing did her last day on Friday. I started on Monday with NO training, had the district nurse here with me for TWO days and then was told good luck and go for it! I started smack dab in the middle of the H1N1 craze AND during state health screenings. It was INSANE! But, I survived, and I'm still here today! 2 weeks shy of my year anniversary being here--and I love it! Just keep your head up, and I think you will be fine!! Like everyone has said, it's a huge learning experience, but it is definitely something you can do!