Sub vent

[Duncan6]

I am an RN with 20 years of experience split between dialysis and diabetes ed. Last year I made the decision to leave my educator position due to the addition of night classes I was required to teach and four school age kids at home. I fell into subbing when the nurse at my kids' school asked me to consider- they really needed subs. The pay is terrible, but I thought it would be nice to have a little extra income and I thought it would be an interesting job- it is and I love it- that's not the problem!

I was hired without an interview or ever seeing anyone except for the secretary in the HR dept. I had to email or call for every piece of information: what the pay was, dress code, etc. I asked about orientation and was told if I wanted one I was to call each nurse and set up a time to shadow, so I did have a couple of hours at each building. While all documenting in the district is done on SNAP, subs are not allowed access and we have to document on paper logs- in one of the K-4 buildings it was just a legal pad. Makes it interesting when you have a kindergarten kid who has a difficult name they don't know how to spell...

Fast forward a couple of months and I am now the long term sub in a K-4 building through the spring following the unexpected death of the very loved school nurse- who was also a personal friend of mine. It's a little surreal sitting at her desk in her office. I have been there about 5 weeks, and have computer access now, so that has helped. I am getting to know the faculty and kids, and starting to get my systems in place and things organized. Everyone has been really welcoming and supportive. I have had several teachers ask if I plan on applying for the position and state they hope I will. And I had definitely planned to, but I just found out that they are only considering CSNs. I am a diploma RN, and have a lot to learn about school nursing, but I am willing to complete my degree and get certification. At the start of this year we had 3 CSNs in the district out of 4 nurses, and all the CSNs were hired as RNs and given time to finish their degrees and certification.

I am beyond perturbed that I am considered competent enough to run the health office for months with very minimal orientation, no training on policies/procedures, at a sub's wage, but I can't be hired full time. Grr.

I am still going to apply- I think- you never know what could happen. Although a part of me is saying to just run the other way!

Anyway- thanks for letting me vent. I have been reading through various threads and you have all been very helpful! I guess what will be will be and in the meantime I'll enjoy my time there.

[verdeacres]

So sorry to hear about the red tape that is keeping you from the position, it is frustrating. Can you see the superintendent or the principal and advocate for yourself?

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

I have discussed it from time to time for my district to purchase rights to another user for our charting program, but they won't. I get it - as it would be a learning curve for subs that come in and use it but on the other hand, it's fairly intuitive and easy to explain. The big question is - i don't know how legal an account set up as "sub nurse" would be if that charting was called into a court of law.

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

I would definitely set up an appointment and advocate for hiring YOU. You are experienced in the system, you will know the kids. And then maybe work with them on improving the the hiring process for subs.

Good Luck!

[scuba nurse, BSN, MSN, RN]

You should apply and get the principal to write a recommendation as well. Since your school has been thru so much (death of the current nurse) and you have stepped in, they may consider you the number 1 candidate since you were there to "pick up the pieces", and have transitioned nicely into the role. Good luck!

[Farawyn]

Duncan, I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Dattebayo, RN]

I bet they HAVE to say they are only considering CSNs. I was hired as an RN in my current position without the CSN, by saying I would work towards it. I think letters of recommendation from current teachers/principal will go a LONG way to getting you the position. Especially, like you said, as there have been a lot of shake ups lately.

[Duncan6]

Thanks for the support and well-wishes. :)

Flare- that makes sense. I think I'm the only sub who would prefer using snap anyway- most of the other subs are the retired school nurses and they love pen and paper!

I spoke with the other elem nurse today and she feels it would be possible for the district to hire 1 CSN and 1 RN if she requested it. I'm sure teachers would speak for me as well. I hesitate with the principal- just because he is a close family friend, and most people know that. There are A LOT of politics in our district, too, so I would probably have the other nurse speak with the superintendent. It's all about who you know- and I have "only" lived here 10 years and so I'm still an outsider. On the plus side our board is all about $$, so if they can save by not having to pay a CSN salary, they would probably go for it!

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

Thanks for the support and well-wishes. :)

Flare- that makes sense. I think I'm the only sub who would prefer using snap anyway- most of the other subs are the retired school nurses and they love pen and paper!

I spoke with the other elem nurse today and she feels it would be possible for the district to hire 1 CSN and 1 RN if she requested it. I'm sure teachers would speak for me as well. I hesitate with the principal- just because he is a close family friend, and most people know that. There are A LOT of politics in our district, too, so I would probably have the other nurse speak with the superintendent. It's all about who you know- and I have "only" lived here 10 years and so I'm still an outsider. On the plus side our board is all about $$, so if they can save by not having to pay a CSN salary, they would probably go for it!

Politics can be fun, but honestly, apply! I guarantee you will be considered as your sub time is built in training for them. I subbed in a public district where certification was needed for full-times RNs, but if you were a proven sub, typically the rules were bent and you could be hired will a timeline of getting your certification (happened several times). Subbing was kinda like a very long interview .

[Duncan6]

Job update: it's been up and down the last month! I did apply for the position, but have been told that I will not be interviewed for it. There are two other applicants who have their certification, so they will take preference over me. From what I can find our state has a set ratio of 1 CSN for every 1500 students. We have 1800 kids, so we have to have 2 CSNs. We still have 2 at this point, but one of them is retiring at the end of the year, so it sounds like the Board wants to make sure they have that position covered. I do have a chance if both applicants turn down the position, but it's a pretty cushy job as far as school nursing goes, so I don't know that will happen. The school I'm in right now has 370 K-4 students. The health office is more of a suite- a waiting rm, exam rm, and cot room, and private bath. I have 1 kid with diabetes and about 15 pills a day + the odd inhaler now and then. I do get busy- a couple of days I have seen over 70 kids, but all in all it's really nice. The neighboring district has 1 nurse for the joined k-12 building, and has straight caths, major txs, etc. The first interview is coming up next week. I am hoping they make up their minds sooner rather than later!

[GmaPearl BSN RN]

Wishing you all the best, Duncan!

[tining, BSN, RN]

I would suggest to pursue your advanced degree (begin ASAP - without promise of job), as a diploma nurse even with 100 years of experience will be passed over for those with the higher degree. I came across the same situation when changing districts. I enjoyed the classes, and the challenge. You will not regret it. Good luck.