Substituting

AngelfireRN, MSN, RN, APRN · Dec 14, 2009

That was how I started out. Still work some for them in the summer. It can work out great, so it's definitely worth a try.

shamski · Dec 14, 2009

Many school districts are hard up for substitutes--keep in mind, in the district I sub for, the pay in not that good-$90 for 7 1/2 hr day--the same as a sub teacher. It will at least show you are doing something while you search for another job. Most districts require an RN with BSN for full time-some require school nurse licensure in addition to a BSN. Pay is commensurate with credentials. As a recent grad, I suggest you get experience in an acute care setting (hospital) to master technical skills and assessments.

mia98 · Dec 14, 2009

Thanks for the response, I knew about the little pay. I'm more in it for the experience and having the same hours as my daughter. Right now I work in a doctors office, I really do not want to be there to much longer.

Thanks,

mia98

missfixit · Dec 15, 2009

I subbed for 3 years before I was hired for a full time position. I think it is a great way to learn the ropes and decide if it is the right job for you. In my district, full time nurse postitions do not come open very often. 3 out of the 4 nurses were all subs before being hired full time. So, it is a great way to get your foot in the door.

mia98 · Dec 15, 2009

I'm glad to hear it. It gives me hope.

Thanks,

Mia98

AdobeRN · Dec 17, 2009

yes start subbing, it is a good to get your foot in the door. The area I work in is very competitive, very difficult to get a FT position. I also started with subbing.

Flare, ASN, BSN · Dec 17, 2009

definitely start subbing, but you may want to find an outlet where you get exposed to a decent amount of general experience, if you feel you are not getting that at the doc's office. As a school nurse you are usually a one man show and you have to rely on your background.

blueiwahine · Dec 19, 2009

I subbed for two different districts and I just got a position as the Life Skills Nurse at a local school district.

CrazyTrainRN · Dec 27, 2009

I agree with the others. Get a sub job for experience, to see if that is what you want to do full time and to see if you like the school district. Also, different districts pay differently. Subbing is a great way to get started. I was a sub for a year then went full time.

luvschoolnursing, LPN · Dec 27, 2009

While you are subbing, you can talk to other school nurses in your area to see what your state's requirements are. I worked as an "nurses aid" in a school while I got my BSN and School Nurse Certification. The pay was lousy considering I was an RN with 17 years of experience, but it was a great way to learn the ropes and went well with my kids' schedule. Then, I was able to apply to other school districts for a school nurse job. In my area (Pennsylvania) it can be quite difficult to get a job.