Think I should decline job offer :(

[ijuanabhappy, ASN, RN]

I really, really wanted this school nurse position and I was offered a position officially yesterday. School starts Monday and I still have not been given any information including start date, which school I will be at, any pertinent info regarding salary, benefits. I'm waiting on another call from HR. I called the head nurse today and asked if there would be any orientation/training, would someone be with me for the first day, etc. I was told there was no formal orientation and I would be on my own in my own school from day one but only a phone call away if I needed anything. There are so many unknowns and how will I know how to do the daily ins and outs of the jobs if I'm all by myself from day one. I guess I just don't understand. I also asked if they thought with my limited nursing experience (and no floor experience), if I would be okay like this on my own and was reassured "yes".

I'm working in a clinic position temporarily right now and they also offered me full-time permanent employment. It pays more but no perks such as summers off and I did have my heart set on school nursing. Have to decide tonight and am so confused on what to do now. I know I should be thankful I am in this position, but this is stressful trying to make the right decision.

[caliotter3]

The poison you know is easier to swallow than the poison you don't know. There will be time for a school position in the future.

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

I would RUN from that position. I had a lead nurse with me in my office the first day, plus a 2 day training in the admin building before that, and I was STILL lost for the first few months, and had to call my mentor daily for the first few weeks. They are throwing you in the deep end. Sink or swim. I would decline and go with the position at the clinic. Perhaps you could sign up to be a sub school nurse to get your feet wet.

[ijuanabhappy, ASN, RN]

I would RUN from that position. I had a lead nurse with me in my office the first day, plus a 2 day training in the admin building before that, and I was STILL lost for the first few months, and had to call my mentor daily for the first few weeks. They are throwing you in the deep end. Sink or swim. I would decline and go with the position at the clinic. Perhaps you could sign up to be a sub school nurse to get your feet wet.

Hi Purple Scrubs,

They actually called me back today and gave me some more detailed information about the position. They said it is a very autonomous position and I would be on my own basically at first and that for the first couple weeks it is primarily organizing shot records. Was told there would be some diabetic kids and tube feedings but most of the time would be band-aids.

I again was told that they all communicate via phone for any questions and that there is a school right next to my school where another nurse could come over quickly if needed. This is a rural town and lower socioeconomic status. I like the idea of being able to educate parents and find resources for needy families. She had confidence since I was a newer grad that things would be fresher on my mind, but I really don't have a lot of skills experience and that is why I am concerned. Otherwise, it sounds like a job right up my alley. Should I still run? At the nephrology clinic I have no patient contact at all (in person). I primarily evaluate labs to make sure patients stay stable, answer patient phone calls, call in Rx's, order labs, etc. I wonder what would be the better experience too. Thanks for your response.

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

How confident are you in your assessment skills? If they are truly going to be there are the drop of a hat, then it might be ok. But think very hard about how you are going to handle things when they hit the fan, for example...

-broken arms

-bump to head (can you tell if it is serious?)

-rashes...are they bug bites or chicken pox?

-a teacher complains of sudden chest pain

-a pregnant mother slips and falls (this one happened to me my first year)

-a cafeteria worker burns her hand severely on the oven

These things do happen, and you will be the first responder. Only you can know if you are able to handle these situations when they arise.

All that said, I was a relatively new nurse when I started at this, and I did just fine. But, I had a top-knotch support system and mentor, and I had/have excellent assessment skills, and pretty good instincts. If you've got that going for you, go for it! Be prepared for the first few weeks to be utter chaos, especially since you won't have an orientation to your office, but it will get better. Shot records are overwhelming, but use your "cheat sheets" for what is required and just plow through them.

Good luck, IMO there is no better nursing job than this, and I am sure you will love it!