School Nursing to Pediatrics Hospital?

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Hello all! I am new graduate nurse with a BSN. I'm having trouble deciding how to reach my goal of becoming a pediatrics nurse in the acute care/clinical setting. I currently have a job offer as a school nurse as I patiently wait to hear back from new graduate pediatric programs.

If I unfortunately don't get accepted into one of these programs, would the school nursing position help me land a position in the pediatrics clinical setting or should I try to find experience in a SNF or other type of acute care/clinical setting? If anyone has advice or any thoughts on this, please do let me know I would appreciate the help! (:

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Well, considering the availability of experienced nurses out there, I'm kind surprised you'd get an offer to work as a school nurse as a new grad...that or the job is so bad they can only hire poor unsuspecting applicants. This being offered as no offense to you. It usually works the other way around; you get nursing experience first and then go to school nursing. School nursing is a completely autonomous position wherein you are the only person in your clinic to make every decision, big or small, about everyone on your campus; students, staff, and visitors. It requires astute assessment and critical thinking skills and confidence to problem solve all by yourself. As a school district, I would be reluctant to put you in that position; truly a "trial by fire" experience. Regardless of my opinion, I wish you best of luck on starting your nursing career!

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I was pretty skeptical about the position as well if they're willing to hire a new grad for the whole district. Hopefully they have extensive training and won't throw me out on the field right off the bat. Thank you so much for your insight I really appreciate it!

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