I have a job!!!!

[Ladybug]

Thanks everyone!

I meet with the head of school this afternoon. I don't have much to wear and ann Taylor called to tell me everything is 40% off in the store right now. I'm sorely tempted but short on time. I wish the stores opened earlier. The little kids don't really need to go to school do they?

HoW, the beauty about the tuition is that Emma doesn't start until 9th grade. The kids are in a stellar elementary and middle school district. Dd10 has four years til HS, so a full time position should open up before then. I just need to get in there and make myself valuable

[Ladybug]

So today was great! It was baptism by fire to say the least, but the place is at least four times as busy as my last office. It appeals to my ADD personality. The craziest part was they told me drive, in my own car(!) students that had medical appointments that required an RN escort. We schedule a taxi for appointments that they can attend by themselves (orthodontist, PT, counseling, etc). I took two kids to two different ortho appointments (injury and follow up) in my car. It's like having people you work with ride in your car on the first day of work (surprise!). Weird, on a lot of safety levels since no one knew anything about my car and something I plan to address. Anyhoo, I have two car seats, a booster seat, hand me down snowboarding boots, Lucy's Halloween costume, various overdue library books, petrified food and an assortment of candy wrappers in my car? Holy embarrassment! I'm totally detailing my car this weekend.
The boarder kids were great (and brave), and it made me really appreciate being there with my kids in the moments. I'm great...but I'm still not their mom. I felt a little sad for some girls, especially those struggling with serious emotional issues, but I'm sure I was projecting my own motherly feelings too. I considered buying them all gourmet cupcakes today. Clearly I'm going to have to work on professional boundaries. I can see where it's easier to get enmeshed in this environment.
Since there is a large boarder population there are a lot more meds, and sick kids that stay there all day since they can't be picked up. Seniors can sleep in their own rooms.
I was initially worried about the RN turnover and resignation of the lead nurse, but it sound so Ike she was a nightmare and we're making a fresh start. The other two day nurses are straight from the PICU. Clinically smart, but not fluent with state school and health laws. There's definitely some room for improvement and system improvements as well. I do like the full time RN's personality though, which is half the battle. The full time RN and the other part time RN are both going on maternity leave this February!!! I have three months, including a 10 day thanksgiving break and two week christmas break to know everything and everyone that happens during the day shift.
I participated (watched) my first department meeting and they were contributing to the schools cultural awareness research. We have a high international population. It was interesting listening to the coaches and the differences between American contact sports culture versus other cultures that are gravitating towards badminton because there is personal space between players and a net/space between opponents. Most American sports require the least amount of clothing while other cultures require full flesh coverage. Other cultures don't use tampons at all so girls can't swim for days to a week at a time if they are on the team. They started a great discussion about educating staff and students on these cultural and health differences. Apparently a lot of international parents brought various eastern medicine treatments on parent's weekend. We are currently asking for a doctors ordered from abroad, but there are some eastern pharmacies here so I'm hoping to contact them and Bring their knowledge on board for side effects and interactions. I feel very strange giving something unknown just because I have a note from a foreign doctor I can't even verify. I sure there are some state nursing regulations about out of state and out of country scripts.
I think it s going to be a good fit, and I didn't realize how much I had to bring to the table until today. That feels good

[HouseofWool]

I'm so happy for you!

[scrub-jay]

That sounds amazing!

[GreyhoundsRUs]

Awesome!!

[rainbabies]

Sounds awesome, E! Very happy for you

[ladymoreta]

Yay! I'm so glad it sounds like it will be a great fit for you!

[Pollyanna]

I'm so happy for you!!! That school and those children are very lucky to have you!

[Sheherezade]

That sounds fantastic. I've always seen you as someone that likes to dig in to a challenging project where your creativity will make a difference. This is a great fit.

[Vanquisher]

I have a job!!!!

I hope you continue to love it for many moons.

[MDPhDWife]

I have a job!!!!

I'm happy to hear you're thoroughly enjoying it! I loved hearing about your day, it's interesting to me to hear about all the different dynamics that come with an international boarding school.

[alison]

Great news! What a beautiful campus.

[Ladybug]

Today I toured the campus…they have a weaving room in the art building! A room full or looms. Heaven.

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An enormous photography room with a solid 12 x 12 table for students to sit around share images in the middle. i love the collection of vintage cameras lining the walls.

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This is the art building (relatively modern-1950s) library and the middle sinks in with couches and a full exposed fireplace. I realize I'm living out my unfullfilled childhood school fantasie, and it feels great.

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and if you can walk past the creepy old pool area there is a bowling alley that they revived last year. These girls are snowed in all winter so they love this option and it's been very popular.

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[PrincessFiona]

Wow! I love your updates. It sounds like this school is a perfect fit for you!