Subs

Published

Tell me about your sub situation! We are currently struggling as we have two, long term subs needed, and we have a float nurse who is covering in many of the schools that don't have full time nurses. The nurses feel like we can't be out because there is no coverage. I came in the other week when I had called out (because I had shingles!) because there was no one to cover, and we have a very medically needy school. It should not be this way. The sub pay is only 85 dollars a day, which I find ABSURD. We need a major change, and soon.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Our sub pay is the same and it sucks. It absolutely is not fair compensation for amount of liability involved. We do offer "special events" pay which is only for field trips when a nurse is required and that $125 a day. Unfortunately, the powers that be aren't going to do anything about it as long as you and the other nurses are "making it work". They don't see how unsafe it is (we've had this same discussion in out district) and they generally do not think about nursing until something bad happens. Maybe bring up the idea of using an agency, see what the districts around you have in place and present that to your admin. It's a crappy situation, but it seems to be a common one...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

We have tried with the agency in town, but it is impossible for them to cover last minute absences. Even with planned vacancies it has been extremely difficult for them to help out! It is super frustrating. One of the other nurses told me I should not have come in that day there was no coverage as a way for them to start seeing how crazy this is... but we have a school full of seizures and diabetics and I could not sit home and worry about them. You are right, it is unsafe.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

There is one RN that will sub for us when she is available; she doesn't work otherwise and feels sorry for us so she's not doing it for the money. Other than her we have to work it out with "others." For instance, on my campus, our office aide has attended the non-licensed personnel diabetes management class and is CPR certified; she knows the students. When I need a sub she fills in for me and we get a sub for her. It's always been a problem and I'm sure it will always be a problem. The district might as well offer compensation with chickens or sacks of beans.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

We have one floating sub in the district. We also use 2 agencies. That being said, we still can't always get a sub, 'cause we are a bit off the beaten path.

We pay 110$ a day for a sub.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sounds like it is an issue most places.. which I assumed :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School nursing.

I have one sub that I can usually rely on for a scheduled absence, but I usually check with her before I schedule that absence to make sure she can cover. Last minute sub in case I am sick? Surely you jest!

We do pay $20/hour, usually equal to $140-$180 day, depending on the day. But I work at a charter and we do have a longer school day than the public school in our area. But that is peanuts in my high cost of living area.

When I subbed about 5 or so years ago, I made $120 to cover a 6 hour school day.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health,Dialysis, MDS, School Nurse.

A dr. appt or event a couple months out, I usually don't have a problem with. I have two subs and both are willing to pick up those kind of days and then will schedule their lives around it. But last minute things? Kind of a crap shoot. If they aren't working or don't have another commitment, great. If not, I'm working sick :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

in our district a RN sub gets $80.00 per day which is what a licensed teacher sub gets...CHA CHING!! Unlicensed - 60.00/day...cha ching.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Our district pays $23.00/hour. Just increased to that in last 18 months or so. We have a full time float, and the other subs will work if available, but very limited availability. I called out a few weeks ago due to a sick child and my principal had to cover my office until I could get into work and find something to do with my sick kid, no one was available. We appear to have lots of subs, but when we need them it can be hard to get one.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in school nurse.

This is similar to a recent posting. Unfortunately, as long as people enable the situation, i.e. come in sick, there is no real impetus for admin to fix it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in IMC, school nursing.

This has been brought up numerous times, but I haven't seen this angle. Don't come in when you have symptoms that would exclude a student. Your absence will not cause a death in almost every case. The inconvenience on staff is the least effective way to induce change, let student care suffer and get those soccer moms talking it up on FB, that is how things will change. State your case when they complain, most will fight tooth and nail for their child. That is when school boards will usher change.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion