Wanting to be a school nurse in texas, what do I need to have or do?

[Dgro11]

Hey all! :) :)

I am currently working on a tele unit, plan on at least staying a year or so for the experience. This is my first job outside of school which I just finished in June of this year.

I have been thinking and am still thinking of all the options that nursing has to offer but the thought of being a school nurse seems ideal, with kids and all. I just don't know if there is any special training or something that I should have or consider before trying to apply for a position. Im not too worried about pay at this time, just seems like it could be a niche for me :)

Any info would be awesome! thanks in advance!

[Farawyn]

It varies from state to state. I am in NY and all you really need here is experience, although they do want an RN as opposed to an LPN. Good luck!

[AdobeRN]

I am in North Texas area - just need to have 2 years experience though our district has hired a couple of nurses right out of school. In my area getting your foot in the door is hard - once nurses get a position they tend to stay for awhile. Start by getting your name on the sub list and pick up jobs as they become available - get to know the staff, especially the office staff (principal, AP, receptionist etc). Our district will look at applicants from the sub pool first before they consider outsiders. Pay wise varies by district - my district lists us on the same pay scale as teachers, we also get the same benefits.

Your profile list you as an LVN - you may have trouble finding a FT position as an LVN. Most districts require RN license.

[OldDude]

Pediatric experience is helpful but being at the right place at the right time is just as important; school nurse positions seldom come open. The issues you'll have as a LVN is that you can work in a Texas public school as a nurse but you can't be a "school nurse." The Texas Education Agency only recognize RNs as school nurses and are categorized as educators; meaning on the same pay and retirement scale as teachers. LVNs and others employed by Texas public school districts are paid on a different scale/category and typically are paid less than a "School Nurse." Having said that, you can probably take a bridge program to RN in the time you're planning on staying at your current position. If you have kids, working in a school district is a perfect match....if you can afford it. You can always pick up extra hours working prn somewhere at times that are convenient for you. Good luck.

[amnesiac1c]

It depends on the school as well. I work at a title I school & my principal was specifically looking for someone with substantial experience working with at-risk & low-income families. But RN is necessary & either BSN or at least a few years clinical experience for sure. I did have a friend who was an LVN & she worked at a private school. My local Head Start program has an LVN also.

[Dgro11]

Thanks for all the feedback! :) I have seen a few positions open for lvn positions working under an RN that's why the interest :) starting as a sub or so don't sound too bad. I do plan on returning back to school for RN soon but getting my foot in the door for the full time position in the near future would be wondeful! I just wasn't sure if they required any "special" training or anything extra. Thanks for all the input y'all! I appreciate it :)