THE HEART OF THE SCHOOL NURSE

From One School Nurse to Another:

My Why, Then and Now

Hello School Nurses!

Over 30 years ago, I walked into a school nurse's office for the very first time. I had no idea what I was getting into—just a lot of hope and a desire to help students.

Since then, I've cared for thousands of students. I've managed everything from scraped knees and stomachaches to life-threatening emergencies. I've comforted worried parents, partnered with incredible educators, celebrated student successes, and learned more than I ever imagined possible.

I didn't know back then that school nursing would become my life's work.

But here I am—more than 30 years later—still passionate about school nursing, still learning something new, and still amazed by the impact school nurses have every single day.

Somewhere along the way, something else happened too.

I realized how many school nurses are expected to figure this job out on their own. Many step into a health office with little orientation, limited support, and a long list of responsibilities that no one really prepared them for.

I remember those early days.

There wasn't a roadmap.

I learned one student, one phone call, one spreadsheet, and one mistake at a time.

That's when my focus began to shift—not away from school nursing, but even deeper into it.

Today, my mission extends beyond the walls of my own health office. Through The School Nurse LLC, I enjoy supporting both new and experienced school nurses by creating practical resources, continuing education, templates, workshops, and a community where school nurses can learn from one another.

Whether you're looking for answers to a difficult situation, editable resources that save time, or simply reassurance that someone else understands what you're experiencing, I hope you'll find something here that makes your job a little easier.

If you're just beginning your school nursing journey, welcome.

If you've been doing this for years, thank you for continuing to share your knowledge and encourage the next generation of school nurses.

School nursing has given me so much more than a career. It's given me purpose, lifelong friendships, opportunities I never expected, and the privilege of caring for students and supporting fellow school nurses across the country.

If something I've created has helped make your journey a little easier, then every late night spent writing blog posts, designing templates, recording courses, answering emails, or creating new resources has been worth it.

Here's to the school nurses—past, present, and future.

I'm so glad you're here.

— Elisabeth

The School Nurse