Student nurse -public health rotation w/ a school nurse

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Hello all! I am very excited to do my public health rotation with a school nurse. It will be in a small, rural community. I am considering this as a career for myself after I graduate and want to make the BEST of this experience. I am hoping to get some pointers and wisdom as to how to learn the most while in this rotation.

Thanks!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

If you want to make the best of this experience you'll do a cardio-respiratory assessment on every kid you can possibility listen to. I'm not sure if you want to be in public health or school nursing...but if it's school nursing, with the littles, you can't possibly know what is abnormal until you know what is normal and this only comes after a zillion pediatric assessments. It's a great opportunity and I hope you take advantage of it. I stopped having students about 3 years ago after, repeatedly, they'd show up with nothing but their cell phone which commanded their interest for the day...scary. Seize the opportunity. Let us know how it goes!

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

If you have a chance, google your state's requirements for screening kids for hearing, vision, scoliosis and acanthosis nigricans. Also check on the vaccine requirements and ask how the nurse manages that.

Look at this as a great opportunity to practice your history taking and health assessment skills. I hope your preceptor appreciates your interest. See if s/he has a copy of "School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text" for you to glance at. If you really want homework, get on the National Association of School Nurses website and peruse.

Best of luck!

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Specializes in Cardiology, School Nursing, General.

You could also work with screeners, that's the people that schools contract to screen their students. You will get a lot of hands on experience on how to deal with student and work with smaller children.

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Specializes in NCSN.

I agree with OldDude, listen to all of those littles! A rural small school may not have the same acute kiddos or crazy busy flow, but I promise there is always something that needs to be done.

Maybe you can teach a handwashing class to the younger ones, or a safety/first aid class to the older ones.

I hope you have a blast. My clinical with a school nurse is what made me want to be one so badly.

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Specializes in School nurse.

I precept students every spring. Don't forget your stethoscope. Ask about student to nurse ratios and what percentage have chronic illness and what they are (DM, asthma, allergies, seizures) any special cases like cardiac, genetic, CA, mental health etc. health plans, interesting meds. Practice BP's and lung sounds. Take notes! Have fun!

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Thank you for all of your responses!! I really appreciated the wisdom and did make the best of it!! I decided that I absolutely wanted to become a school nurse after my preceptorship. I graduated and got my license and am now working as a school nurse! I cover 5 schools from pre-k to 8th grade. It's quite the learning curve but I am enjoying it!! :)

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Specializes in School Nurse.

Congratulations and welcome!

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Thank you for all of your responses!! I really appreciated the wisdom and did make the best of it!! I decided that I absolutely wanted to become a school nurse after my preceptorship. I graduated and got my license and am now working as a school nurse! I cover 5 schools from pre-k to 8th grade. It's quite the learning curve but I am enjoying it!! :)

WOW!!! I love that you came back and filled us in. Welcome to our ranks. On Wednesdays we wear pink. Mostly.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

"One of us! One of us!"

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Specializes in kids.

Welcome to the best "specialty" on Allnurses. We have a wealth of knowledge and support. Ask ask ask!!!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Congratulations! Nice...very nice!!

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