With a Nursing career spanning 30 years, Independent School Nurse, Tricia, outlines her journey into School Nursing, the challenges she faces and what the future looks like for School Nurses in the UK.
Topics covered in this article
Do You Have Any Interview Tips For Your Job Role?
What Are The Differences Between Working For The NHS And The Private Sector?
What Are The Ideal Soft Skills For School Nurses?
What Qualifications Do You Need To Become A School Nurse?
What Does A Typical Day For a School Nurse Look Like?
What Are The Different Types Of Roles Within School Nursing?
What Kind Of Settings Do School Nurses Work In?
How Much Do You Get Paid & What Are The Career Prospects For School Nurses?
What I Love About Being A School Nurse
What Are The Challenges Faced By A School Nurse?
What Is The Current State Of School Nursing In The UK, & What Does The Future Hold?
How I Became A School Nurse
I qualified as an RGN in 1991.
I worked on various wards, then moved to day surgery and eventually found my niche in Endoscopy where I progressed to a sister’s post.
I worked there for 9 years.
I had always loved working with children and considered completing my paediatric training too although the opportunity did not arise.
When I moved to Norfolk I wasn’t sure that I wanted to continue working in the NHS but still wanted to utilise my qualification.
I worked for about 2 years in a pre-admission clinic.
I saw a job advertisement for a School Nurse in an independent mainstream school and applied.
I wasn’t successful, but wasn’t deterred and the same post came up about a year or so later so I applied again and was successful.
I worked there for 4 years and loved it!
I was then approached by an employment agency who had seen my CV online and asked me if I would be interested in a School Nurse role at a special school and children’s home for children with autism.
I decided to go for an interview and see what the school was like.
I was offered the post and started part time whilst continuing to work at the mainstream school.
Initially I remained hesitant as it was a steep learning curve for me in working with children with special needs.
As there had been no nurse in post prior to me, I was also tasked with establishing the nursing service for the school and children’s home.
It soon became clear that the post needed to be full time as I covered the children’s home too.
Another Nurse who I previously worked with began a job share with me.
I eventually went full time as the role grew and grew.
I have now worked here for 8 years and am proud of what we offer and the service that I initiated and established.
About this contributor
Independent School Nurse
I started my nursing career in 1991 having completed 3 years of traditional nurse training. I am married with 3 grown up children. I live in Norfolk having moved from London 15 years ago. I love walking, running, enjoying the countryside, traveling, reading, eating out and socialising. I have a working cocker spaniel, Rolo, who keeps me on my toes!
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