School Nursing- First job as RN

[Jw1724]

So here's my deal...

I graduated nursing school in May, passed my boards in July. One of my clinical instructors emailed me about a school nurse position where she used to be the school nurse. She said she recommended me for the position. I went and interviewed and was offered the job.

It is a private Catholic school, 176 kids, and I would be working 20 hours/week. When I am not there, an EMT takes my place.

What are your opinions on this? My clinical instructor seems confident in my abilities here. She would be the one training me also.

[Jw1724]

After all that, I turned down the job. He offered me $12,000 for the school year. Meaning barely $16/hour before taxes and only 20 hours a week. I can't stick myself into that contract as a new grad and have to pass up any other opportunities because of it.. while barely making enough for my bills. :-/

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

Holy cow. That is pathetic compensation. In my district we get paid on teacher's scale. Still a paycut from the hospital if you factor in OT and shift diffs, but the hours and working conditions more than make up for it.

[Nurse_Ziba]

You'll be fine. Just like any area in nursing there will be a getting the grip phase. :) I was 21 and a newly grad when I first got my job as a school nurse. And yes, parents tend to size you up during first encounter especially when you look young and new to the school. Just stay professional and stick to what is right. Good luck!

[jdsmom, RN]

Grab it while you can! You will feel inadequate in any first job as a new grad. I graduated in May and have been working in Tele for 4 months and still feel like I am inadequate. I am sure your instructor would not recommend you if she had any doubts. I saw a lot of school nursing handbooks online at Amazon too. I am trying to get into school nursing, but kind of difficult in my state :0) Good luck!

[frozenocean]

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!

Could you please post the links to the archived information?

Thanks!

[blackscrubs]

OK new school nurses! Don't leave me out of the loop either. I graduated in 2007 and I am a new school nurse to 3 campuses with only paraprofessionals as help. (Which I am sooooo thankful for by the way!) I am 27 and look 18 as well. So far everything has went just fine!!!