I am currently employed by an upstate NY school system . We are represented by a teachers union, which many of our nurses have become frustrated with. This union doesnt seem to understand our needs, and the teachers certainly outnumber us. I want to be able to consult other nurses in school settings to find out how they get what they need to better serve our children, and if they have their own union.

We need clout-building and represtentation , so my question is how do we go about doing this?

The fear is that our current superintendent would be happy to get rid of the nurses altogether, so resigning enmass is out of the question,, because this group of nurses is extremely dedcicated to the inner-city needs of its population.

We understand that our plight is not unique, money is a huge issue everywhere in school districts. Our budget until june of 2004 is a whopping 76 cents.


Some of our highschools see 80-100 students a day. Thats one nurse {most of the time} dealing with all these children. Many of these childre are special needs kids. They require tube feedings, catheterizations and medications during the day.


Most families here have no health insurance, so the first line of medical care is the school nurse. There is tremendous pressure on these nurses, our resources dwindle, and yet we are expected to continue on as if all is well. So, you see the plight. This is only one school district.......any ideas who to contact?

Thankyou for listening, Sicereley, Kim Knauf Rn NY