Specializes in med-surg, IMC, school nursing, NICU.
In that vein - train your staff to TELL you what type of emergency they are calling you to. Nothing drives me crazier than to be told "There's an emergency in the cafeteria!!" And I gear up, Jump kit, AED, Epipens... i practically look like Rambo only to find out that some kid puked up their tuna sandwich.
Have confidence! You are "the nurse!" I struggled with this when I left mental health nursing and began working as a school nurse. With no prior pediatric nursing experience, I wondered if I had made the right decision by switching to school nursing. I had previously only rendered care to adult patients and I was very nervous. I came to realize how important it is for me to at least appear confident, especially when interacting with parents. Also, it's important to understand the demographics of your school and to know where the students come from. I work in a magnet school that draws children from wealthy families throughout the county, but there is also a small school zone that includes a notorious government housing project and several inner-city neighborhoods. Two thirds of the kids are magnet students and one third are zoned kids. When waffling about whether or not to report suspected child abuse, trust your intuition. Conflicting stories about how injuries were sustained...that is a red flag.
Don't be afraid to say no! Sometimes you can't make everyone happy and that is just the nature of the job. Educate, educate, educate! Nobody really knows what our role on campus is - so, it is our job to tell them!
When I hear the phrase "fix your face," it makes me smile. I have seasonal allergies and I frequently have red, watery eyes. I always have my Visine with me so that I don't scare the kids with my bloodshot eyes! I also still get the occasional pimple, so I use concealer. Kids have no bones about asking "What is that big bump on your face?"
1. Grow a back bone. I had no problem telling a dr what I thought at the hospital (good or bad). I've never been one to let people run over me. But, I struggle here.
Have confidence! You are "the nurse!" I struggled with this when I left mental health nursing and began working as a school nurse. With no prior pediatric nursing experience, I wondered if I had made the right decision by switching to school nursing. I had previously only rendered care to adult patients and I was very nervous. I came to realize how important it is for me to at least appear confident, especially when interacting with parents. Also, it's important to understand the demographics of your school and to know where the students come from. I work in a magnet school that draws children from wealthy families throughout the county, but there is also a small school zone that includes a notorious government housing project and several inner-city neighborhoods. Two thirds of the kids are magnet students and one third are zoned kids. When waffling about whether or not to report suspected child abuse, trust your intuition. Conflicting stories about how injuries were sustained...that is a red flag.
It may not be good for me to post it here, but how did you deal with being new to pediatrics or having no pediatrics nursing experience? I have recently accepted a position for school nurse and I have no experience in pediatrics. I have only 2 years of experience under my belt.
1. Grow a back bone. I had no problem telling a dr what I thought at the hospital (good or bad). I've never been one to let people run over me. But, I struggle here.
Because we are dealing with parents and their kids. And non medical people. And our students are mostly healthy.
It is so challenging. I've done it all, and this job is a struggle for me.
Always try to remain the "patient" advocate. This can be a challenge because, as you've already experienced, the "concerns" of some staff members have nothing to do with "patient" advocacy but arise from "self advocacy." All the above is excellent advice, from years of school nursing experience offered to you in support and hope for your future success in school nursing. Good luck, hang tough, you can.
JerseyTomatoMDCrab, BSN
588 Posts
YASSSSSSSS.