Best & Worst Things About This Career
As reported by people currently doing the job
"The best part is getting to know the students and to be there for them in any situation. To listen to their problems, to try and get help for them in communicating with teachers and to help them maintain their health is very rewarding. The worse part is being one person responsible for each & every bit of health information of the 1,600 students. To review, record & complete all mandates takes up a good portion of the job. Knowing you are responsible for the health and safety of over 1,600 people in a high school can be daunting, but the challenge is rewarding."
School : 3 year Diploma, Nursing School, RN
Career: High School Nurse, currently based in Virginia.;
"The worst part of my job is being the only one in the building that can do my job. I am it. Some days can be so hectic that there is not enough time for even a short break. The best part of my job is working with students. The students really seem to appreciate me and what I do for them. It's a wonderful feeling to see the positive effect that I have had on some students. This is especially true of medically complex children. They often require treatments and special nursing care during the school day. If there were no school nurse, they wouldn't be able to attend school so easily. I have learned so much about young people and have so many wonderful memories of the time that I have spent with my students."
School : Diploma program/RN license and 60 credits toward BS
Career: School Nurse, currently based in Connecticut.;
"The best part of my job is the children. I feel good knowing they know there is a place they can go if hurt or not feeling well and that I will take ownership of whatever it is and try to make things better. The worst part of my job is difficult parents and administration that does not value our work or regard us as professionals in the school setting."
School : AD Science, RN diploma
Career: School Nurse, currently based in Connecticut.;
Tips for Succeeding in This Career
Helpful Info From Insiders
"To become a nurse you have many choices within this field. Being a nurse in a hospital setting is a must before venturing out into any other nursing area. Other areas can be in the private or public field, including being an educator. You must enjoy helping others. Keeping yourself up to date in your field of nursing is a must. You must be a responsible person. You deal with lives, not inanimate objects."
School : 3 year Diploma, Nursing School, RN
Career: High School Nurse, currently based in Virginia.;
"I would advise that one pursuing a career in nursing should go to a four year college setting and finish with a BSN from graduation. I would also advise any student considering a career in nursing to possibly work part time as a nurse's aide or volunteer in a hospital or medical center to test the waters regarding their ambitions. I would advise students to take lots of science courses in high school especially lab sciences, psychology, and human anatomy and physiology. Most of all, be a good listener and sharpen you people skills. Nursing is a hands on career and deals with all aspects of a patient's needs (physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual)."
School : Diploma program/RN license and 60 credits toward BS
Career: School Nurse, currently based in Connecticut.;
"Remember that children or adults who are "hurting" (either physically or emotionally) are scared and need to feel that their reports of pain are valued. Work hard on skills of listening, questioning and observing. Be open to and respectful of people regardless of their age, lifestyle or place in society."
School : AD Science, RN diploma
Career: School Nurse, currently based in Connecticut.;
