Want to School Nurse...guidance welcome :-)

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Hi. I am newby to AN and am very excited to join the specialty of school nursing. I had a nurse preceptor in nursing school at a local highschool and loved it. When I went for my LPN prior to LPN to RN, I had a preceptor during nursing school at our local middle school and I loved it. I am a recent ADN grad. I have wanted to school nurse for a long time and recently went back to school after being a SAHM for 15 yrs. My last work experience was 15 yrs ago as EMT / FF. Could you advise me on what type of experience will help me the most as the school nurse? I was thinking joining the local rescue squad for the reward and experience and go thru classes to get EMTB to EMTI to PALS. It seems like every job opportunity wants experience and LTC or Home health are my options. I would love to work at a local pediatric home health, but they, too, want a years experience. Someone mentioned volunteering at my local public schools until I felt comfortable sub nursing and then when comfortable and a full time position opens to apply for it. We do have one highschool in the county that I hear has a higher acuity level of students than the others. I think that would be good experience but as for my working experience, what type will give me what I need to best serve the student population? Thank you for listening. Sorry I went on so long.

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Specializes in Peds, School Nurse, clinical instructor.

In order to be a school nurse, you need to have excellent assessment skills and be able to work independently. Your EMT experience will be helpful when dealing with injuries that happen at school. While any nursing experience will be helpful, I would concentrate on Peds. Good luck.

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Specializes in School Nursing, Public Health, Home Care.

You may be shocked to find out the pay vs. other areas of nursing. Check that out and see if you are comfortable.

I would never want to discourage you, but it is a factor.

good luck

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Specializes in kids.

Try working as as sub to see if it is the right fit for you. It is its own speciality and far from just being bandaids and bellyaches!

I do a ton of psych nursing and wellness teaching. Love every (ok ALMOST every day) that I am here! :roflmao:

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