Shadowing School Nurses

[jakrob123]

Hello, I'm currently a student in my last two classes in my program and have interest in being a school nurse in the future.

Unfortunately, due to COVID, my program hasn't been doing any clinical hours regarding community health, in which school nursing falls under. I would like to gain some “clinical experience" on my own and see the day to day life of a school nurse.

I've contacted some principals at schools at surrounding districts (I've already checked if they were hybrid/in person/distance learning before contacting them LOL) about potential opportunities for me to shadow their school nurses.

Is there anything I should do or ask to get the best experience from these shadow hours I'm doing on my own time? Any specific questions?

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

Understand that unfortunately many school might not be letting in outside visitors this fall or even school year, especially if it isn't official from your school.

I can't allow a shadow in my office right now, sadly. It may change in the Spring, but not for the fall. It is an extra person that don't have the proper spacing for and right now, haven't considered that person in terms of health PPE needed.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

We love that you want to do this, we do!

If you can find a school that is full guns going F2F, ask. But this is a bad time for the ask. You could phrase it as you'd like to volunteer...best bet may be to look on the district's website and find the Health Services Director, and make your pitch to them.

And realize - you are a stranger with strange germs to these people. We just don't know what will happen. Please don't be offended if you're turned down. Next year when you are a nurse, consider popping back in to help with screening (we love people who help with screening).

[jakrob123]

On 8/24/2020 at 2:24 PM, ruby_jane said:

We love that you want to do this, we do!

If you can find a school that is full guns going F2F, ask. But this is a bad time for the ask. You could phrase it as you'd like to volunteer...best bet may be to look on the district's website and find the Health Services Director, and make your pitch to them.

And realize - you are a stranger with strange germs to these people. We just don't know what will happen. Please don't be offended if you're turned down. Next year when you are a nurse, consider popping back in to help with screening (we love people who help with screening).

Thank you for the reply! I didn't think about phrasing my emails that way...out of the several schools that I've reached out to only 1 actually replied and said that they didn't have a school nurse on site for me to even shadow.

To reach out to these schools to possibly volunteer, I hope they have the proper equipment to adequately screen the students. As you screen your students are you wearing both a mask and face shield, mask only, or etc.?

On 8/24/2020 at 12:21 PM, JenTheSchoolRN said:

Understand that unfortunately many school might not be letting in outside visitors this fall or even school year, especially if it isn't official from your school.

I can't allow a shadow in my office right now, sadly. It may change in the Spring, but not for the fall. It is an extra person that don't have the proper spacing for and right now, haven't considered that person in terms of health PPE needed.

Thank you!

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

30 minutes ago, jakrob123 said:

Thank you for the reply! I didn't think about phrasing my emails that way...out of the several schools that I've reached out to only 1 actually replied and said that they didn't have a school nurse on site for me to even shadow.

To reach out to these schools to possibly volunteer, I hope they have the proper equipment to adequately screen the students. As you screen your students are you wearing both a mask and face shield, mask only, or etc.?

Thank you!

You are welcome.

In Texas where many of us are still in virtual school until September or October, we are still mandated to screen (even if a kid selects virtual school).

I have a surgical mask and face shield. The American College of Medical Toxicology tells me that's enough for ambulatory care. I have a limited supply of N95 masks (including two Ebola era, which, according to the MFR still work!) to use when I have to be less than six feet for more than 15 minutes.

Kids bring masks from home.

In Texas if your kid is under 10 they don't *have* to wear a mask.

[shark_nurse14, BSN, RN]

I know some school districts that are going back with face-to-face instruction are looking for health room aides or CNAs. Applying to some of those positions may help you work closely with the school nurse to gain experience, and also put a few dollars in your pocket. 

[BostonRN, BSN, RN]

Maybe private or charter schools?