What did I get myself in to?

3peas · Dec 29, 2015

I think that's a great question, and that's exactly why we are needed. Not only are we in the schools for medical needs, but we sometimes act as a social worker. Over this much needed break I've thought about many of sweet students and prayed that they are doing okay. I work in a very high needs school and many of my students do not get their basic needs met. I do not cry in public, but I cried 4 times in one week during November. I made 3 CPS reports, had to deal with the police and fire department in my school several times that week I was a wreck.

There are some serious situations out there and I am floored by load these student's carry. This job can be stressful, it's just a different type of stress. To me it's more emotional and there is a lot of pressure to make sure you are making the right decisions for these students. We are sometimes the only medical professional they will see for an extended period of time. Not every school is like that or every situation, but some are and that's a big responsibility.

Good luck getting adjusted. Welcome to school nursing it's awesome!

Farawyn · Dec 29, 2015

Welcome, BethG.

The answer for me is, I don't guard my heart. I have teens at home and I work with teens at work. Some of my school teens are my kids' friends. I am accountable not only as a nurse, but as a friend and neighbor.

Because there is no separation, this is the hardest job I have ever done, from an emotional level.

This Forum has saved my sanity more times than I can count.

coughdrop.2.go, BSN, RN · Dec 29, 2015

Welcome to school nursing! And welcome to the heartache! Yes it's sad, and I'm not going to lie that I have a couple of my high schoolers that I want to adopt because they are in such bad situations and I may or may not even be 10 years old than they are. It's not about guarding my heart. It's about letting them know I'm here and trying to refer them or even making that CPS call. Build the relationships and try to follow up with them. Do you best you can within YOUR limits.

Then when you get home, put your feet up, grab your favorite desert, and lose yourself in your indulgences. Remember to take care of you.

RatherBHiking, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2015

Remember you can't always fix their life for them or protect them from some very sad realities of this world. For reasons beyond my understanding some people including kids have to go through some pretty difficult situations. Just know that for at least 6-8 hrs a day you can be there for them whenever they need a little attention, a helping hand, or to know someone cares. You can ease their burden on some situations. You can show them what kindness looks like. However, don't let them walk all over you. Set limits. They need to be in class as much as possible, not going home or hanging out with you all the time. Education is their ticket out of a crappy world. They won't all take it though. I really enjoy when they get to the point where they'll find me between classes to show me something or say hi instead of acting sick for attention. That was what surprised me most about school nursing-the sheer number of kids who aren't in ideal situations. I had no idea how many there were...

Farawyn · Dec 30, 2015

Blue Moon. I love you.

100kids, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2016

It can be so difficult, especially to see little ones in terrible situations. I find the best I can do is be a good, strong example of good in their life and try to make their world a little brighter when I can. This is one of the hardest aspects of this job. These are all my kids and I want to take care of each and every one.

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2016

That is the hardest part of school nursing for me. Despite how hard I try, I take a little piece home of some kids in my heart.

School can be a sanctuary for some kids. But as Blue Moon mentioned, this is why it is so important to set limits. Limits are the key to success and something some kids never get at home. Limits can show you care, even though it it can feel at first like the opposite.

You often can't control what happens outside of school - for me, realizing this is the only way I can stay sane. But it took me my first full year to be able to fully understand the weight of it.

Good luck! We're all here when you need it :).

SnowyJ, RN · Jan 4, 2016

It can be very difficult. However, I find the kids give back to us as well. If they know you care, they will find ways to say thank you. Be it a hug, a little hand drawn picture, etc. We are in an important position of trust with our children. Welcome to the fold!