The New Girl To School Nursing

Published

Specializes in Certified Pediatric Nurse/Post Partum Nurse.

What. An. Adjustment ?

I spent 8 years bedside (post partum and peds) and decided that I wanted to see a different perspective and perhaps grow in a different way, but still be with kids. With all the perks of school nursing, I figured I'd give it a shot....so here I am as a MS nurse ?

1 month in...

I'm at a school that's incredibly appreciative and they spoiled me like crazy yesterday (Nurse's Day). I think they won me over and I'll spend the next year here and not bid for a position closer to home. 

I want to make the clinic/health room "mine" and update the outdated posters/info that's currently here. Something simple and easy.....

My question is: Are there company's who donate these things? Or donate other items that would be nice to have? 

I've always heard that teachers spend thier own money to get classroom things....I assume it's the same with the nurse too, but was wondering if any of you guys had good ideas/tips/tricks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in kids.

Nope you need ( and should have) an adequate budget! Welcome!!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School Nursing, Pediatrics.

You have to buy your own things! I find things at the Dollar store, there is a teachers section, Oriental Trading Company has some things as well, or if you Google free health posters or information for schools, a bunch of sites come up that you can print posters from. I got a bunch at conferences I went to, but that is not longer an option!

Colgate will send you a poster with their toothbrushes (see other post about info). A lot of stuff is under teachers not nurses for schools, so look for both. School Health and the other school nursing supply websites have stuff but it is expensive. You call your local Red Cross they may have some posters as well, or check American Heart Assoc. I have a bulletin board with health info on it, but in my actual office I have it decorated with posters that have inspirational sayings on it, that I got from the Scholastic Book fairs when the school held them.

BUT also ask your schools PTO if they will donate some things or buy things for you. (Former PTO president here and I always asked the school nurse if they needed things, because we always give to the teachers, and I am a school nurse and understand what its like!).

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Certified Pediatric Nurse/Post Partum Nurse.

Thank you!

I'm more of a "subcontracted" nurse...I'm not affiliated with the school, more than being here as part of their team. So I'm not sure I'd be part of the budget the school sets. The company I work for supplies the necessity items needed, but nothing beyond that. 

So I will Google and find cute inexpensive things ❤ 

Thank you ladies! 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School Nursing.

My school has a "poster printer" to print large things and a large laminator, too.  I downloaded some cute posters from Teachers Pay Teachers and Etsy (downloading them was each less than $5) and was able to print/laminate in the building.  Was able to save a bit of money that way.

Just as an aside; I would consider removing your photo for privacy reasons if you ever share more 'case study' type of posts so that you maintain a bit of anonymity.  

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×

You can check your county health department for posters too! Some will send them for shipping only, some you can print out on your own. The Allegheny County Health Dept. has some good ones. 

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

CDC generally has decent printables.  I think they have big ones too, if you have the ability to print on bigger than a standard sheet of paper.  

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion