Sub Nurse Tips!?

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Dec 15, 2021

Hopefully the school nurse has left a notebook with info...but follow your gut, do a thorough assessment and call the parent. Usually a kid who is really, looks... really sick, a little green around the gills, flushed etc. A kid who has migraines can be almost glassy eyed and squinty due to fluorescent lights. A dark room and quiet often helps. I always ask about food and fluid intake, bowel and bladder if indicated. Talk to the front office secretary, usually a plethora of information.

BettyGirard, BSN · Dec 15, 2021

I agree with Nutmegger. The key is preplanning. Hopefully the nurses in the schools you might cover for have their documentation in order for subs. It might behoove you if possible to pay a visit to each office in advance so the nurse can show you where the essentials are.

RatherBHiking, BSN, RN · Dec 27, 2021

Try to get there a few min early and get keys from the secretary and find your office, get stuff unlocked, find the sub notebook and read up real quick on anything you need to know first thing like if a diabetic will be coming in for insulin coverage at breakfast or any kids get meds first thing and get that stuff ready. Then find the thermometer and supplies and lay them out. Then go back and read the sub notebook more thoroughly.

As a sub you won't know the family's and kids well. If you aren't sure about something ask someone. If you aren't sure about a student just call the parent. If someone gets hurt at school call the parent to notify even if they don't need to go home.

Don't rearrange the nurse's office to your liking. (This has happened to me more than once!) Don't organize for him/her unless he/she left a note it's OK or unless it's clothes that are messy you can refold to straighten them up. If there are papers to file (that actually say file on top a filing cabinet) go ahead and file them but don't mess with any piles on the desk.

Leave a record of who you saw and sent home. That way when the nurse comes back and a parent calls he/she will have an idea. Just write their name, reason for visit and if they went to class or home. Chart on EVERYONE you see. The nurse can read your charting for more in depth info if needed. If there's anyone that needs follow up leave a note of course.

Check the nurse mailbox and make sure there's no new Dr orders for a new activity restriction you will need to notify the gym teacher about or some new medication in case the med is there or the parent drops it off and you have to give it that day.

If you aren't sure about how to handle a situation and the nurse boss isn't answering call another nurse in the district if there is one. They are usually happy to help. Principals and secretaries can be helpful as well.

If the nurse is low on ice restock the freezer if you can and have time.

Most importantly follow your gut and relax! Schools are not usually life and death or hurry up. Even if the kids are impatient take your time getting their meds ready and ALWAYS ask them their name. Do not say are you XYZ because I've had kids shake their heads yes when it wasn't them!! Yikes!

If you enjoyed working there and would like to again leave a note saying so and they'll be more likely to call you next time first! Good luck!

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Jan 2, 2022

On 12/15/2021 at 7:44 AM, NutmeggeRN said:

Hopefully the school nurse has left a notebook with info...but follow your gut, do a thorough assessment and call the parent. Usually a kid who is really sick, looks... really sick, a little green around the gills, flushed etc. A kid who has migraines can be almost glassy eyed and squinty due to fluorescent lights. A dark room and quiet often helps. I always ask about food and fluid intake, bowel and bladder if indicated. Talk to the front office secretary, usually a plethora of information.