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.
