There are some
benefits to working as a school nurse.
If you have, or plan to have children, working in an elementary school
within their district will enable you to have the same hours and days as the
kids. That can save on daycare cost or
worrying about the kids making it home safely.
Jobs of School Nurses
In most cases
the job of a school nurse is to be available when needed. A school nurse will see and treat conditions
such as colds, flu, stomach viruses, cuts, sprains, and bruises. School nurses may also monitor children with
conditions such as diabetes or seizures.
On occasion rare conditions may exist with a student, in which case the
nurse will monitor that as well. School
nurses also secure, and administer medication as needed among students; more
students now take medications than ever before.
Nurses working within the school system may make the determination of a
student's condition, and offer recommendations based on their findings. A school nurse keeps track of what illnesses
and may call for school closing in the event of an epidemic type
situation. School nurses may also sit on
on parent teacher meetings if there are medical conditions for the child, or if
the child is on a regimen of medication.
Related: Practitioner in 3 Years
Developmentally Challenged Students
In the 1980’s
the separation of developmentally challenged students from the mainstream
population began to change. Students
were transitioned into regular classrooms in most cases, in order to prepare
for socialization skills. It is not
uncommon for developmentally disabled children to have medical conditions,
which may need to be closely monitored by a healthcare professional. In a school that there is a high population
of developmentally disabled children, there may be a need for more than one
nurse on staff; this is generally negotiated between school administrators and
the superintendent. Common medical
conditions of children include:
- juvenile diabetes
- allergies
- ADHD
- colds
- stomach virus’
A condition
that today's nurses must be familiar with, is anxiety. This can be social anxiety or a general
anxiety disorder. This condition among
children was only recognized and treated over the past 2 decades. Today the problem of bullying is recognized,
and with social media it is often done away from school grounds. Children that are being bullied may suffer
extreme anxiety, and should be monitored closely, as the risk of suicide in this
population is significant. The school
nurse will monitor children that take anxiety medications to ensure Problems
and concerns do not go unnoticed.
Related: Forensic Nurses
High School Nurses
High
school nurses have some similar responsibilities as elementary school
nurses. In addition to the usual
sickness and injuries, high school nurses may be available to meet with
students that feel awkward, or out of place, which can result in
depression. Birth control is also a subject
that a high school nurse may educate students on, either in a group or
individually. Parents in general, have
to grant approval for discussions regarding birth control; however that is not
the case in every district.
School nursing
can be a great fit for the right person, depending on employment needs,
however, it should be considered in advance, school nurses work considerable
less than hospital nurses, as well as having Holidays and weekends off. The overall annual salary of a nurse working
with the school system is about half that of a nurse employed by a
hospital. Benefits are comparable.
School nursing
has changed drastically over the years.
In the 1970s, school clinics were staffed with volunteers, generally
parents. The volunteers most often had
little or no medical training, so care was at a minimal. Student needs were also very different then,
as chronically ill students did not attend school, and children taking regular
prescribed medications were much less than today. There is a demand for student nurses; many
schools have 2 or more nurses on staff during school hours. For nurses that have children of school age,
a position as a nurse within the school system can be ideal, essentially having
worked hours and days that coincide with their own children's school days and
times. If you have an interest in a
school nurse position, the criteria to inquire is generally to go through the
local, school, system, or in some places in the county. Salaries can often be disbursed into 12
months to avoid the lull during summer months and holidays. Nursing is essential for schools, and can be
a great career for the right person.
Related: International Nurses Association
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