Where are the "best" school nurse jobs?

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I just graduated from nursing school and I start my first position (on a med-surg floor) this week. I have a desire to work with children, but I'm not entirely sure that peds (in a hospital) is for me. Therefore, I was thinking about becoming a school nurse. I realize that being a school is more than dealing with health issues. I embrace the opportunity to be a mentor and TRY to prevent some children from falling through the cracks. Where are the best jobs? What sort of experience is best for this type of position. Had I not gone to nursing school, I would have become a teacher. I think being a school nurse would combine both of my interests! Thanks!

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Specializes in School, Camp, Hospice, Critical Care.

Hi, BPPITT!

In terms of best job, I think it's the one that's the best fit for you! Do you want to stay where you live now? Do you enjoy little ones best, or adolescents? And think about demographics--being a school nurse in a city with great diversity will be a very different experience from school nursing in a small, affluent town. Every combination of demographics is out there. What do you think would be best for you?

In terms of experience, I was an ICU nurse for a couple of years before I started looking for a school nurse job, and I know that the critical care experience impressed my interviewers--ED experience would likely be looked at the same way.

But even more so, I was a camp nurse for three seasons before I interviewed--and I LOVE camp nursing--gave them all the reasons why in my interviews--talked about the different challenges I've had at camp--and I really think my passion for camp nursing, coupled with an excellent reference from my camp director, was what sealed the deal for me and got me the job I'm starting the end of this month. I had also subbed for a school nurse for several weeks last school year (not in the district where I was hired), but the school community is a small one in NH and I had a letter of reference from that principal, who had worked years ago with the principle at my new job . . .

I'd really recommend trying out camp nursing. Here in NH, camps have a hard time fully staffing their Health Centers; with M/S experience, you shouldn't have a hard time finding a position. For three years I camp nursed while maintaining my hospital job (took earned time while I went to camp for between 2-4 weeks each summer)

Best of luck as you sort out your options. Feel free to PM me if you want more info.

Judith L

I just graduated from nursing school and I start my first position (on a med-surg floor) this week. I have a desire to work with children, but I'm not entirely sure that peds (in a hospital) is for me. Therefore, I was thinking about becoming a school nurse. I realize that being a school is more than dealing with health issues. I embrace the opportunity to be a mentor and TRY to prevent some children from falling through the cracks. Where are the best jobs? What sort of experience is best for this type of position. Had I not gone to nursing school, I would have become a teacher. I think being a school nurse would combine both of my interests! Thanks!
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Specializes in Operating Room.

Hi There!

I am looking for some information/advise from you all who have school nurse experience. I live in NH and currently work in the OR. Recently, I have been actively thinking about wanting to be a school nurse. I have past experience with working with school age children in a daycare. I also have had many pediatric patients in the OR.

With this being said, where do I begin as to looking further into finding a school nurse job here in NH? I obviously would be taking a pay cut, but is a school nurse salary decent? Are there internships available, or is it suggested that you start as a substitute school nurse in order to get more experience?

Thank you for your help!

Christine

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Specializes in School, Camp, Hospice, Critical Care.

Try signing up at this site:

http://www.schoolspring.com/searchForm.cfm?

Under "student services" there is a subcategory for "school nurse." Whenever a school nurse job becomes available in the areas you designate, you'll get an email with the details. I find that in my area, I get the notices via email before they ever hit the newspaper.

Subbing is a great way to get a foot in the door, though generally poorly paid--my district only pays $75/day for an RN sub. As I wrote above, I did a longer-term sub position, and that principal's recommendation certainly helped me get my current FT job.

If you tell me how many years you've been an RN (and whether or not you have a bachelor's) I can tell you what you'd be paid this year in my district in southern NH. I took a 20-25% pay cut when I took my school nurse job.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Thank you for your help! I have been an RN for 3 1/2 years and I do have my BSN. Whatever info you can give me would be greatly appreciated! I am going to search that website that you gave. The thought of totally switching jobs makes me anxious! Keeping my fingers crossed!

~ C

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Specializes in School, Camp, Hospice, Critical Care.

In my district you'd be at $30K for a 186 day contract,working 7.25hrs/workday, that'd come out to about $22/hr--provided you worked only the contracted hours. Like any nursing job, you usually have work to wrap up at the end of your "shift," but in school nursing (at least where I am), there is no overtime.

I also have the opportunity to pick up another 80hrs covering a half-day summer program; that is paid off a separate contract at slightly higher than my usual hourly rate would work out to be (I have no idea why, except the funding is from a different source).

Hope this is helpful.

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