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Degree

  • 1.  Degree

    Posted 11-21-2017 10:34 AM
    I would really like to pursue a certification. ​Can't an Associated Degree nurse take the exam? If they can be employed as a School Nurse, why not be certified?  Other specialties don't require a BS.

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    Jacqueline Leggett, RN
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  • 2.  RE: Degree

    Posted 11-25-2017 12:47 AM
    NASN Standards and Scope of Practice specifies that a BSN is a minimum requirement to practice school nursing.

    Which is, frankly, unfortunate in my opinion. However, at this time, they will allow RNs who hold a Bachelors degree in a health related field to sit for the exam. This was my situation. It took effort on my part to have my Bachelors degree considered health related but I made an earnest plea and was given the opportunity to sit for the exam. 

    In my school district, ADNs are paid slightly more than minimum wage. Those with a Bachelors in a health related field are paid as BSNs (which is still half the national average salary for nurses). I had to make a similar petition to the Public Education Dept when I was hired. However with this certification, the district considers it equivalent to an MSN and my pay will increase substantially (high enough not to qualify for food stamps and Medicaid, which the BSN level pay is low enough to do). High stakes for this exam!!!!!

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    Liane Norris RN, BA
    School Nurse
    Santa Fe Public Schools
    Santa Fe, NM
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Degree

    Posted 11-27-2017 10:08 AM
    Interestingly, I have encountered a professional issue with regard to obtaining Professional status as a school nurse in my state.  Our DOE credentialing board would not recognize my MEd as valid for fulfilling the requirement. Even with an appeal, they would not budge. This is the main reason why I am taking the exam, even though I know that my MEd has provided me with unlimited, valuable skills in my role as a school nurse educator. It has been a great source of frustration for me. 

    I think we really need to consider how school nursing has evolved and we need to advocate for greater diversity in school nursing in terms of how we can address the needs of our students. We need mental health nurses, educators, pediatric nurses, nutrition, and wellness nurses, etc. The more diverse we are the more effective we will be in addressing the evolving needs of our students. In addition, sharing and collaborating with other nurses in these disciplines will only enhance our capacity to develop and expand our roles as school nurse professionals.

    Good luck to everyone taking the exam. 


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    Margaret Maurukas RN, BSN, MEd
    School Nurse
    Cape
    Harwich, MA
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Degree

    Posted 11-28-2017 10:17 AM
    You bring up an excellent point and I recently had a RN colleague with the same problem. She has a BA in Ed and this was not acceptable to my district for Professional level State license. Perplexing and our district is missing out on a staff member capable of seamless blending of nursing and educational skills.


    Sincerely,


    Liane Norris, RN
    School Nurse at Nina Otero Community School
    ph: 505-467-4205

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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Degree

    Posted 11-29-2017 02:20 PM
    Thats really frustrating.  When I was hired I was on waivers for my first 3 years because I'm a diploma grad.  So I decided to apply to get my degree in nursing.  Long story short, The Univ of Maine accepted me, as a sophomore, a level not yet part of the school of nursing.  I'd already DONE 3 years, almost year round.  So I went to one of our satellite campuses and got my degree in Community Health Education. There were no on-line colleges back then.   But now when I look for an MSN program they don't want to accept me because I don't have a BSN!!  Really I think its a money making opportunity.

    --
    "We cannot change the direction of the wind but we CAN adjust the sails" 

    Debi Blank, RN, BSHE
    School Nurse
    Trenton Elementary School                                  
    51 School Rd
    Trenton, Maine 04605
    deborah.blank@mdirss.org                                

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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Degree

    Posted 11-30-2017 08:06 AM
    Debi,

    You should check Western Governors University. Their RN to MSN program allows an online progression. I am a English diploma grad who received my BSN last March and am just starting my last two masters level courses. I should have my MSN Education shortly. (There is also a leadership option). The six month terms are very reasonable, cost wise and you can accelerate courses to accomplish your degree as quickly as you want. Let me know if you need any other information.

    I am trying to decide whether to take the NCSN exam in March or July, 2018. Any thoughts on time frame to prepare?

    Sincerely,
    Bernadette

    --
    Bernadette Berset, BSN, RN
    School Clinic.
    Bishop O'Connell High School
    6600 Little Falls Road,
    Arlington, VA 22213
    Main number: (703) 237 1400 Ext 443
    Direct clinic: (703) 237 1443
    Fax: (703) 237 1465
     

    Notice:  This e-mail (including attachments) is confidential and may contain individual patient health information. The use and disclosure of information contained in this email is restricted by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and is protected under The Privacy Act of 1974.  It is intended only for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed.  This material must be destroyed appropriately when its use is no longer required.  If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient(s) or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the attached information to the intended recipient(s), please note that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.  Anyone who receives this communication in error should notify the sender immediately, delete it from your system and destroy any copies.




    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Degree

    Posted 11-30-2017 09:08 AM
    Edited by Missy Langille-Badger, MEd, NCSN, RN, BSN 11-30-2017 09:11 AM
    Bernadette, 
    There is a NCSN online study group on school nurse net.  It has been very helpful to me. 

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    Missy Langille-Badger RN, BSN, MEd
    Nurse Leader
    North Attleboro School District
    North Attleboro, MA
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Degree

    Posted 12-04-2017 08:23 AM
    Thank you- I have joined the group.

    --
    Bernadette Berset, BSN, RN
    School Clinic.
    Bishop O'Connell High School
    6600 Little Falls Road,
    Arlington, VA 22213
    Main number: (703) 237 1400 Ext 443
    Direct clinic: (703) 237 1443
    Fax: (703) 237 1465
     

    Notice:  This e-mail (including attachments) is confidential and may contain individual patient health information. The use and disclosure of information contained in this email is restricted by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and is protected under The Privacy Act of 1974.  It is intended only for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed.  This material must be destroyed appropriately when its use is no longer required.  If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient(s) or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the attached information to the intended recipient(s), please note that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.  Anyone who receives this communication in error should notify the sender immediately, delete it from your system and destroy any copies.




    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Degree

    Posted 12-18-2017 08:35 AM
    Has the study group started?

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    Vicki Barrera, RN, BS
    Currituck Co. Schools
    School Nurse
    Moyock Middle School
    vbarrera@currituck.k12.nc.us
    252-435-2566 ext. 9030
    Moyock, N.C.
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    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: Degree

    Posted 12-18-2017 09:25 AM

    Look back through the old posts. Robin Cogan set up a weekly study guide you should be able to follow.

     

    Pat Krin, RN, MSN, FNP-BC. NCSN, FNASN

    Executive Director

    National Board for School Nurses

    nbcsnexec@nbcsn.org

    www.nbcsn.org

     




    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: Degree

    Posted 11-30-2017 10:28 PM
    Bernadette, there is a study 'group' on Facebook.  When you apply be SURE to answer our 3 questions so that we can keep non-nurses out of the group, increasing safety for 'nurses' :)  ...(it was too time consuming to go to NASN and check membership, validate that someone had a LEGITIMATE role as a school nurse...).  School Nurse Certification Nurse.  A group right now is discussing starting to study for the March 18 test....scroll back to my entries from spring alluding to the documents/files on the left side that give study outlines.

    Individuals VARY in how much time they study...some cram, others are disciplined and check off a bit each week...


    https://www.facebook.com/groups/1863286570564744/
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    Beatrice Benda RN MSN
    Licensed School Nurse
    Minneapolis Public Schools; Nonpublic + Parochial
    St Louis Park, MN Licensed School Nurse
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    Original Message


  • 12.  RE: Degree

    Posted 12-01-2017 08:13 AM
    Beatrice, I sent a request to join the group.

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    Jennifer Loudenslager BSN, RN
    Boonsboro, MD
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    Original Message


  • 13.  RE: Degree

    Posted 11-30-2017 09:13 AM
    Edited by Missy Langille-Badger, MEd, NCSN, RN, BSN 11-30-2017 09:14 AM
    Margaret,

    I find that extremely frustrating.  I also have a M. Ed and had no issue obtaining professional status.  Why is it ok for some and not for others........

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    Missy Langille-Badger RN, BSN, MEd
    Nurse Leader
    North Attleboro School District
    North Attleboro, MA
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    Original Message