Should I Apply?

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

There is an open position for a middle school nurse. It's 7-8 grades & they recently upped the pay from $18,000~/year to $22,000~/year.

I'm thinking of applying. I do live in a low COL area. Is that reasonable pay? What do you guys/gals think?

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

I would say that salary is about right for a LVN in a Texas public school district; about $15/hr.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
I would say that salary is about right for a LVN in a Texas public school district; about $15/hr.

Thank you! I know it's not much but it's better than it was.

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Specializes in school nurse.

Would you do it to get your "feet wet" in the specialty, or as a career? If it's for a career, you'll be doomed to low pay forever in that kind of salary environment...

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
Thank you! I know it's not much but it's better than it was.

You'll have plenty of time away from school hours to supplement your income...if you need to.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Would you do it to get your "feet wet" in the specialty, or as a career? If it's for a career, you'll be doomed to low pay forever in that kind of salary environment...

I don't know how to respond to this. If I should be offended or not. :/

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
You'll have plenty of time away from school hours to supplement your income...if you need to.

Oh yeah, I'm not worried. I applied so we will see!

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

good luck. Hope you get it!

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Specializes in school nurse.
I don't know how to respond to this. If I should be offended or not. :/

No offense. Would this be your first school nurse position? If so, doing it for the experience to lead to better paying jobs is understandable. If it's a place/district you intend to stay with, well, small raises (if any) each year will keep you in a pay range that might be difficult to get ahead with...

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
No offense. Would this be your first school nurse position? If so, doing it for the experience to lead to better paying jobs is understandable. If it's a place/district you intend to stay with, well, small raises (if any) each year will keep you in a pay range that might be difficult to get ahead with...

Yea, just to clarify OrganizedChaos' position...in Texas public schools a LVN can't be a school nurse and can't even practice as a LVN in a Texas school district unless supervised by a RN; only a RN can be a "School Nurse." Generally LVNs in Texas public schools make about half the salary of what RNs (School Nurses) make and LVNs make about twice the salary of a MA or CMA employed in the same capacity.

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Disclaimer: OrganizedChaos, you have more nursing experience than me, I am not a school nurse, and I have very limited experience with pediatrics.

Should you apply? Why not. It is not like you are accepting the position yet. At this point, you have nothing to lose except time and money spent on commuting to and from wherever the interview will be held.

During the interview, you can ask to shadow the place. At least shadow the school for a while before accepting the position.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
No offense. Would this be your first school nurse position? If so, doing it for the experience to lead to better paying jobs is understandable. If it's a place/district you intend to stay with, well, small raises (if any) each year will keep you in a pay range that might be difficult to get ahead with...

I don't have a job right now so it's more money than I'm currently making. But yes, it would be my first school nurse experience. I am applying everywhere (minus nursing homes & PDN).

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