Published Jun 3, 2012
Does anyone know how to find out where RNs are being utilized as school nurses? Meaning one RN in one school?? So many schools have either LPN's or far less credentialed.
Thanks!
schooldistrictnurse
400 Posts
Same for WI, except it has to be BSN
Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN
11,305 Posts
In CA, you must be RN, BSN and PHN to get your Preliminary School Nurse Services Credential to be a legitimate "School Nurse". The preliminary cred. is only good for 5 years, during that time you need to enroll in and complete a 27-unit School Nurse Services Credential Program to earn your clear credential and continue practicing beyond 5 years. Many people don't know the level of education that CA School Nurses must achieve- I didn't even know before I got into this field of nursing!
Many people don't know the level of education that CA School Nurses must achieve- I didn't even know before I got into this field of nursing!
I'm a new CA school nurse as well. Going to the NASN Convention in SF in a few weeks. I'm thinking of starting school in the Spring at Sac State.
A good friend of mine lives in Connecticut - she says all schools have their own nurse back there. I'm not sure how completely accurate that is so you'd have to check with the CT association of student nurses or the national group - NASN.
I'm the nurse for the entire district - 2 elementary/2 high schools and actually there are 11 campuses including community day schools (used to be called continuation).
elprup, BSN, RN
1,005 Posts
Spideysmom - i too am looking at Sac State School Nurse Program. Curious if you started, or applied? I believe most of it is online. I am applying tomorrow with the hopes of landing a school nurse job, as acute care positions are nonexistent for new old grads. Heck, maybe this is what I am supposed to be doing, as I love kids and always enjoyed working at schools. If I can combine that love with nursing and have summers off, I would be in heaven.
amystudentRN
36 Posts
I have an interview with a school later this week for school nurse, I am in Indiana and my county you need to be atleast an RN to be a school nurse. I am so excited and hoping to get it! I have no previous experience so feel glad to have the opportunity for this job. Its even part time but I know I would love working with kids..It was my goal while in nursing school!
mustlovepoodles, RN
1,041 Posts
Here in the metro-Atlanta area of Georgia most schools have their own nurse. Some school systems require RNs, some hire LPNs. A few even hire unlicensed staff, something that I think is incredibly risky. In my school system we have mostly Bachelor's trained RNS, but there are 2 LPN. Between them they have almost 80 years experience and they are two of the smartest nurses i've ever met. I'd put either one of them up against any BSN nurse!
SouthernSweetheart16
21 Posts
In TN, we have LPNs or RNs in schools. I'm an LPN and I cover an elementary and high school that are side by side. The middle school up the road has an LPN there also. Our county "traveling" nurse recently became an RN and our supervisor that is at an area school is an RN. Some of the school nurses are RNs, and some are LPNs.
NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN
10 Articles; 18,927 Posts
PA requirements are post BSN school nurse certificate. View this program in my SE PA area:
School Nurse Certificate - West Chester University
helenaeberg
12 Posts
KrystinaRN, so you are a CA school nurse? Where in CA are you working? I am a new grad RN, BSN, PHN and just started work as a district nurse (my first job as an RN). Could we exchange email addresses so that I can communicate with you and ask questions that will come up as I try to navigate my first school year? For example, is there a formal training that I need to attend in order to conduct hearing screenings? Do Epipens need to be kept in the school office or can they be with the student or in the classroom? Should teachers be trained to administer epipens or just staff/health clerks in the school office?
My email is [email protected]. I'd love any advice you can give!
I'm also a new grad RN and a new CA school nurse. I'm also district wide - 1 HS, 1 MS, 1 ES, and I think some alternative programs. Do you have a method for organizing your priorities throughout the district? I'd love any ideas!! Do you also have direct-care roles, such as injections or first aid?
elprup - my understanding is that you have to work as a school nurse for a minimum 1000 hours (2 school years) before you can apply for a clear credential program. So you have to start with the preliminary credential (which you can only have for 5 years) and then apply to the Sac State program. The qualifications for the preliminary credential are: RN + bachelors or higher degree.
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
applesncherries
Hello,
I'm interested in getting my School nurse credential? And I'm asking about School Nursing in California.
As I've been reading with the previous posts?
Do I have to get the public health nurse certificate first?
Thanks for the inputs!
Hi Krystina,
Do you have an email add? I'm interested in getting my credential. And if it's okay I can just send you an email for more questions about this?