Transition from part time staff RN to school

[caygirl]

Just looking for some tips and pointers as I am applying in my local school district to sub as a school nurse while continuing my per diem position in the hospital where I've been for 4 years. I've never done school nursing and I understand the pay is quite a bit lower but that doesn't matter so much anymore. I have done Maternal-Child Nursing (Well baby, NICU, Mother-Baby) since I graduated in 1988 with about 8 years off from 1995 to 2003 while my kids were small. I don't like the pace at the hospital where I work. I'm only there one day a week but it always feels like I'm running a marathon when I work. I'm 41 and maybe my age has something to do with that. I love kids and have worked with kids on a volunteer basis in other capacities in the past i.e. VBS, Sunday School teacher, Youth Sponsor, volunteer school nurse/secretary at a small private school in the Caribbean. That volunteer position was just basic first aid, call parents when child sick, give meds to kids who had prescriptions. Not much documentation since it was a small operation in the Caribbean. According to some of my children's school nurses there is a great need for subs and some of those sub positions become long term positions. I would appreciate any advice or thoughts.

[MarrieloRN]

With all of your experience, it sounds like a good match for you. I started working as a school nurse part time which led to full time. I also worked per diem on a cardiac unit. I did this for 4 years. The work environment at the school is wonderful. Such a different atmosphere than the hospital. Working with the kids is great. Of course, having all holidays, weekends, and the summers off are fantastic. Good Luck!!