Tips for a solo newbie in elementary setting please?

Specialties School

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Specializes in M.Ed., BSN, CSN.

Hi everyone,

I'm new to working in this arena and have accepted a position as the full time school nurse in an elementary setting. I will be the only nurse (no assistant) in the building for 500 students grades K - 4. I have contemplated moving into school nursing for several years and am finally making the leap of faith.

I would LOVE to hear ANY tips you have...especially those about working with the students and the staff, as well as time saving bits of advice and staying organized. So basically, ANY tips you would be kind enough to share.

Thanks so much!

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Specializes in IMC, school nursing.

I work K-8, started 18 months ago. The K-2 love the attention of going to the nurse, so tears are part of that, they normally disappear in a second. Expect to be busier and see more than you ever imagined. Read these threads, they were invaluable to me. Most of all, enjoy.

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Ice packs, mints and stale saltines fix a lot more than you'd think! :cat:

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Ice packs, mints and stale saltines fix a lot more than you'd think! :cat:

TRUTH!

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Specializes in School Nurse, past Med Surge.
Ice packs, mints and stale saltines fix a lot more than you'd think! :cat:

I tried mints for upset tummies this year, but then had a girl with ongoing tummy issues (that she ended up seeing a GI doctor about) brag to her friends that she got candy in the nurse's office. That put the kaibash (sp?) in the mints for everyone.

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Specializes in M.Ed., BSN, CSN.

That's a great point! I had a school nurse I used to work with express the same thing to me about the mints.

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Specializes in school nursing.

I find that the K and 1st graders are the hardest to get out of my office, so I have a magical two minute timer for the little ones. I tell them to relax and watch the sand move, and when it's all in the bottom half, they'll feel better! Works 99% of the time.

Communication with the teachers is KEY. A lot of them (especially in elementary, where they are with these kids all day) can feel easily hurt if not in the loop. This doesn't mean tell them everything, but I find a quick "Talked with Tommy's mom today. If he asks to visit the nurse please send him, no questions asked" is just enough.

You'll get those teachers that try and control every situation, but I always just explain to them why I must do it a certain way, as to comply with my nursing license. (ex: "Well why can't I send him at the beginning of the day to get his pill, and I'll just watch him take it at 11:30 before lunch so he doesn't miss class time?")

I'm sure I'll think of more, but these are some I've already dealt with this morning :sarcastic:

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