High School Nurse

How I Got The Job

My Education: 3 year Diploma, Nursing School, RN

My Prior Experience: I started a pediatric nurse in a hospital. I then became a middle school nurse & am now a high school nurse

My Job Profile

My Company: I work for the Board of Education in a high school in Loudoun County, VA

Job/Career Overview: My daily responsibilities are to provide for the Health and Safety of 1,600 students plus staff of 110.

I start the day giving out daily medications and the rest of the day is assessing the health of each student who comes to the clinic with a physical, emotional or mental complaint. I see 7 diabetic students daily and advise their proper care according to physician's orders. I provide first aid for injured students and medical emergencies requiring 911 calls. I communicate with parents, teachers & guidance dept staff as needed to assist the students. I follow all State of Virginia mandates on health screenings and immunizations. I am responsible for maintaining computer and hard copy health records for each student.

More Insights: If you ever decide to become a school nurse, you must realize it's a common occurrence for all involved in the field of education to ignore you and your responsibilities. For example, the teachers or guidance dept. are the first to know any medical issues as parents are concerned about grades and how to handle missed days of school due to illness or surgery. You are dearly missed if not in the clinic as that put responsibilities on others who don't want it. If you need an ego boosting job, this is not for you.

Knowing all this, I've been a school nurse for over 30 years. The students are your reward and I find that very satisfying.