Tuesday, May 20, 2008

The School Nurse Job Update

A few weeks ago I wrote about a school nurse position that I was thinking about applying for.

Well, I applied for it and had an interview. The day after the interview they called and offered me the job. The pay was much less than what I make now, so I almost turned it down right away.


But, I didn't. Instead I prayed about it. I prayed that if it was meant for me to have this job that there would be a pay increase.

The lady that did my interview called me back a few days later. She said that all school nurses in the state of NC are required to get certified within 3 years of getting hired. I am at an advantage because I have a BS degree. So, really all I would have to do is take the test. (and pass, of course).

I was told that once I passed the test that my pay would "increase significantly". I asked how much "significantly" was. The figure she quoted me was almost exactly what I make at my current job. I couldn't believe it. My prayers had been answered.

But, there was a catch. I was told that the earliest I could take the test was in February. That meant we would have to live on much less money for about 7 months. I wasn't sure we could do it.

But, Michael and I talked about it and I decided I could work at a hospital or nursing home some weekends to supplement our income until I could take the test.

Then, I found out the next test is being offered in July. So, I am registering for the test and hopefully I'll pass it the first time and then I won't have to wait 7 months for my pay increase.

To get to the point of my post: I officially accepted the job today. My first day at my new job will be on June 16th. I'm so excited!!

And, you want to know what the best part is? Since the kids get out of school on June 13th, I will work for about 2 weeks and then I will have the whole month of July off.....with pay. I'm loving this job already and I haven't even started yet!!

I'm sure I'll be studying a lot during my time off. But, there are worse things than studying while working on my tan.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hooray! Good for you Penny! Can you come be Maddison's school nurse then please? Arizona is great for tanning :)

Penny Ratzlaff said...

It's a dry heat, right?

Allison said...

That is so great! That means you will be able to take care of Riley better, because you will be at his school right? Are you always going to be at his school or are you like the district nurse and you travel around? That's how it worked in my school district.

meanderings said...

Congratulations! I'm very excited for you and your family.
Prayer is an amazing thing, isn't it?

Jillian said...

I'm so happy for you! It will be great to have the summers off and better working hours when school is in session. I'll cross my fingers that the July test will work out just as well.

Shannon said...

That is awesome!!!!!!!!! Congratulations!

Talk about answered prayers. And what a wild start to be able to have so much time off right away.

I'm really excited for you!

Molly said...

YAHOO!! Congrats, Penny!

k2 said...

Penny -
YOU ROcK!!!!
I'm so happy for you - the school is lucky 2 have you.
You WILL pass the test!
k2

Donna said...

Congratulations, Penny. Ask and you shall receive, huh? I'm so happy for you!

Penny Ratzlaff said...

Thanks you guys. I can't stop smiling.

Allison,

I will not be Riley's school nurse. Riley goes to a private school that does not have a school nurse. I will be working in the public school system. I wish I could be his nurse. That would be awesome.

Albert said...

Congratulations! Enjoy having an actual summer again.

Scott K. Johnson said...

That is GREAT NEWS!!!! Congratulations!

You'll be great!

Lisa said...

Yeah!!!! Congratulations! I'm so happy for you.

Paige said...

Wow...congratulations, Penny! It's always that much better to be able to feel like it REALLY is the right decision.

Lea said...

How did I miss this post???
CONGRATULATIONS PENNY!!! that's fantastic news. I'm very happy for you. God bless, and good luck with your new job.