Should I be a HighSchool SN ?

LACA, BSN, LPN, RN · May 17, 2010

I'm just like you, except I'm 23 and in an elementary school, although I do have to deal with the high schoolers when the middle school nurse isn't available (we split duty at the HS.) I think the most important thing is to establish yourself as someone who is firm but fair and consistent. You need to make sure that the kids know you're there for them, but you aren't their friend. I'm sure you will have instances where they will try to cross the line or think they can bulldoze you, but stand firm and soon they will learn that's not the case.

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · May 17, 2010

Thanks JessicaA ! I naturally come off as not firm but I guess I'm going to really have to toughen up and not let them take advantage of me.

I know I used to see a ton of Elementary school kids in the health room, I'm hoping that since the older kids are more mature then they won't be frequent fliers.

LACA, BSN, LPN, RN · May 17, 2010

That's quite possible....I don't think you will have many FF, but you will have more serious situations to deal with. I don't come across as firm in the least, but when I'm at work, the kiddos know to respect me and to listen to what I tell them. As far as staff, I'm super blessed to work with a wonderful group of people who respect me and seek my advice. I'm the youngest staff member in the entire school and also the newest, but it's worked out fine. Just stand your ground and don't back down!

luvschoolnursing, LPN · May 17, 2010

I am in high school and have TONS of FF's, so don't count that out, you will see a lot of repeaters. I also see some kids every day not because they have c/o illness but because I am a "cheerleader" of sorts encouraging them with grades or family issues. I am 45, so I don't have the young, attractive issue anymore.:lol2:I look more like their mothers, but we have many young teachers who are able to control a classroom and find a boundry between being an authority figure who is respected and being viewed as their peer/friend. I would advise you to seek out younger teachers if you have problems with this, but I would not let it stop you from going for a job you want. Also, being close in age can have its' advantages because you have more recently "been there, done that."

Artistyc1 · May 18, 2010

I used to work as a school health aide for a few years in a elementary school. I left school nursing to finish nursing school and now may have an opportunity to work in school health again, except at a high school. What worries me is a few things: I'm 21 years old, female, attractive, very soft spoken , and more passive then aggressive.
I'm nervous about students not taking me seriously if and when I send them back to class. I'm worried that the staff may not appreciate my expertise as a nurse. I'm worried that young male students may come to the health room just to see Mrs. R ( I've had the elementary school boys do this as well).
I also want to hear from other highschool SN to see what a normal day would look like in the health room. I look forward to working with teens and doing lots of education. I'm sure they may be cases of pregnancy , substance abuse, and etc.
Thanks for all your advice in advance ! Please tell me if you think I would either sink or swim.

Personally, and I doubt that everyone here will agree with me, I believe that some experience under your belt might be a good thing before entering the school nursing field. Most of us have to work alone, and, due to that, the responsibility is much different than it would have been when you were a health aide. The liability is far higher. Just my :twocents:

elkpark · May 18, 2010

Personally, and I doubt that everyone here will agree with me, I believe that some experience under your belt might be a good thing before entering the school nursing field. Most of us have to work alone, and, due to that, the responsibility is much different than it would have been when you were a health aide. The liability is far higher. Just my

ITA -- another consideration is that, if one goes directly into school nursing without any other nursing experience, if you find later on that you want to, or NEED to, find a job in an acute care setting, you will have a v. hard time being a competitive/attractive candidate for those jobs. "Pigeon-holing" yourself at the beginning of your career is, IMHO, a big mistake. Someone may think that s/he is always going to want to (or have the opportunity to) only work in a particular specialty/setting, but things change ...

LACA, BSN, LPN, RN · May 18, 2010

I agree with the above posts...I've done home health and doctor's offices, and now I'm an elementary school nurse. I've never worked in a hospital or LTC facility, but I have no desire to. If at some point I wasn't going to be here anymore, I would go back to home health probably. The pay is awesome, but it's not where my heart is.

Back to the original topic, if it's something you truly want to do, then go for it and just remember to keep the "firm but fair" mentality and you should do great!

Flare, ASN, BSN · May 18, 2010

keeping in line with the direction that this thread has taken, i would like to make one point to the nurses that don't think they need any experience before school nursing... You are in your office alone... you make ALL the medical decisions. When there is an emergency, you are the one that is called on first. You make the determinationas to whether or not ems is needed or if what is going on is a true emergency.

Now, as i step off my soapbox, do I think the OP should take a job as a health aide in a high school? If you can maintain professionalism, them yes. If you think you can be persuaded by the adolescent age group into being their friends or providing special treatemnt because you either identify with them as peers or are attracted to them (it's not out of line that a 21 yr old can be attracted to an 18 yr old - i'm just being honest) then the position is probably not right for you at this time.