Working for school district vs. contracted employee

[Rnmomandie]

Could anyone give me insight as to whether or not anyone is "contracted" for the school district through a local clinic? I had thought that typically school nurses were actual employees of the school district, and as such it was a state job.

Also, for those who are hired through the schools or those who are contracted, could you tell me a little about the benefits? I am trying to make a decision between 2 jobs, one actually being hired by the school district, and one being contracted. Anyone know if there are typically pay/benefit differences?

Advice? Thanks!

A

[Jolie, BSN]

We've lived in 2 different school districts, and I've seen it done both ways.

In our old district, the nurses were district employees, with the same pay scale and benefits as other "ancillary" personnel. Our nurses there were not certified school nurses, so they were not on the same scale as the teachers.

In our current district, the nurses are actually employees of the VNA and are contracted to the schools. They receive their pay and benes thru VNA and are on par with other VNA nursing staff.

[MomNRN, BSN, RN]

As a former school nurse at a district that did not require and would not pay for certified school nurses, you would probably be better off working for the contracting agency. When you get into the school system, there are usually contracts involved.

If you would be part of the teacher's contract and benefit scale, that would be great. If not, you would be part of the support staff contract, and usually their salaries and benefits are considerably lower.

[Rnmomandie]

Great, thanks for your help, ladies!

A

[michigooseBSN]

I think it varies a lot. In my case, I'm hired by the school system and am a certified educator as well as a school nurse (a requirement in my town). I'm a member of the teacher's union and on the same pay scale. I get all the benefits including 80% of my health insurance costs and retirement benefits after 10 years of employment. Great deal I think considering how much I also love my job.