As a second-semester nursing student, I am officially in my last clinical rotation ever! As I’ve learned something new in every specialty and met so many amazing people along the way, I definitely have my favorites. I knew going into nursing school that I wanted to work with moms, babies, and children. However, I was always told I needed to start on a general unit—somewhere I could learn the “nuts and bolts” of nursing. I struggled with this advice because it contradicted my dreams.
Once I had my first shift as an inpatient pediatric nurse, I absolutely fell in love with it. I knew instantly that this was where I belonged and could be the most successful nurse. I am currently working as a school nurse, and it has been the best experience I’ve had thus far.
Each day at the elementary school is different. Kids are so unpredictable, and I learn something new every single day. I start my day at 7 A.M. by getting ready and eating breakfast. I then commute to my elementary school, which is 45 minutes away from UNH. I check in at the office, say hi to the kiddos as I walk to the school nurse’s office, greet the other nurses, and set up at the desk, ready to start my day. I’ve seen as few as 30 kids and as many as 90 kids per school day. I take care of a wide variety of illnesses, age ranges, and diversities. I help kids with nosebleeds, insulin, ice packs, and medications. We try our best to take a lunch break around 1:30 P.M., but we usually have stragglers trying to hang out in the nurse’s office. After charting on all the kids and making sure everything is clean, I get to leave around 3:30 P.M.
School nurses do not get enough credit and do so much work behind the scenes. I am so grateful for this experience, and I hope every nursing student gets to work an outpatient job! :)