What School Nurses REALLY Do?

Many people think the responsibilities of a school nurse are limited to handing out Bandaids and ice packs all day long. While that's certainly a small part of the job, school nurses actually do a lot more than most people realize. From emergency preparedness (and response!), to keeping track of immunization records, managing concussions, fractures, sprains, and strains, caths, tube feedings, blood sugar checks, or just a little TLC during the day, school nurses do it all. Specialties School Nurse Life

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You are reading page 5 of What School Nurses REALLY Do?

beachynurse

beachynurse, ASN, BSN

390 Posts

Specializes in School Nursing.
On 12/14/2014 at 10:09 PM, Windchaser22 said:

Ideally, one could start as a permanent part timer. This way you are mentored and can readily take the reigns when the time arrives.

I also don't recommend school nursing for new grads. As a permanent part timer you would still be working alone. At least in my large school division with 82 schools. You would be splitting the job with another part time nurse. I've been doing this for 18 years now, and definitely could not have handled the position straight out of school. If you respond to an emergency, you must be able to make split second decisions. There is no one there to answer questions, or assist. You are completely on your own until EMS gets there.  Without any experience behind you, you don't have the assessment, or critical thinking skills that are necessary in these instances. I think after a couple of years of nursing experience , then give it a shot. 

RuralMOSchoolRN

RuralMOSchoolRN, ADN, RN

96 Posts

Specializes in ER/School/Rural Nursing/Health Department.
On 12/12/2014 at 1:44 PM, Tina, RN said:

 

Perfecting the art of "mommy-ing" balanced with a little bit of tough love. ;)

This right here! I have a certain group of kids at each school that have awful home lives and need a "mom".  Whether that is a middle schooler asking question/talking out issues or an elementary kid that just needs some hands on caring or one on one attention for a minor issue.  

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