Which first, SN Certificate or experience?

[MommyandRN]

I want to be a school nurse, but don't plan on working full time as one for another 5 years or so. I signed up to be a sub (they couldn't train me last year, I will start in Sept). So it will only be subbing or possibly part time school nursing until I am ready to work full time as one when my kids are ins school.

My question is this - should I go back to school and get my school nurse certificate program NOW so that when I want to work I will be certified?

Or should I work as a sub or maybe as a non-certified school nurse for a few years first and then get certified?

[Needsmorechocolate, ASN]

It is my understanding that in order to take the test to become a certified school nurse you must have worked as a school nurse for 3 years. Maybe another school nurse can post a reply with the requirements.

[MommyandRN]

I know that is the case with becoming Nationally certified. I just mean going back to school for a school nurse certificate program.

[Jolie, BSN]

I would suggest testing the waters first. Try subbing this year and make sure you really like school nursing before investing the time and money in additional education.

I would also suggest checking the job descriptions for certified vs non-certified nurses in your district. In ours, the certified school nurses are in supervisory positions, primarily responsible for IEPs and paperwork in a number of buildings. Non-certified nurses staff the buildings and provide hands-on care on a daily basis, but are paid on a non-professional scale, and make significantly less than certified nurses.

Good luck!

[bergren]

What state are you in?

Do the certificate courses count toward a masters degree?

Have you volunteered in a school health office?

Some nurses just hate school nursing. I think you should shadow or volunteer at least a few times. Having said that you and start a class while you are doing that, and may even meet some classmates who you could shadow with.