From One School Nurse to Another:
My Why, Then and Now
Hello School Nurses!
Nearly thirty years ago, I walked into a school nurse's office for the first time as a brand-new school nurse. I had no idea what I was getting into—just a lot of hope. Since then, I’ve cared for thousands of students. I’ve managed everything from scraped knees to medical emergencies, comforted anxious parents, collaborated with educators, and built meaningful relationships with the students who walk through my door each day.
I didn’t know back then that school nursing would become my life’s work. But here I am—three decades later—still passionate, still learning, and still completely in awe of the important role school nurses play.
And lately, something new has been stirring in me: a purpose beyond just my own office walls. Over the years, I’ve seen how many school nurses are thrown into the role without much guidance, support, or training. They’re expected to “figure it out”—and that’s not fair. I remember how overwhelming it was in the beginning. I didn’t have a roadmap. I just pieced things together, one student, one phone call, one spreadsheet at a time.
That’s why I’ve shifted my focus—not away from school nursing, but into it even more deeply.
Today, my mission is to support new and experienced school nurses through resources, tools, continuing education, and real talk about what this job is really like. Just knowing someone else “gets it” is so important! I’m here. I see you. I am you.
On National School Nurse Day, I want to celebrate you—my fellow school nurses. Your work matters. Your presence in your school makes a difference. You are often the calm in a storm, the comfort in a crisis, and the connector between health and education.
If you’re just starting out, know this: You’re not alone. And if you’ve been doing this a while, you have wisdom to share—and I hope you will.
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.png "Free printable or digital print for national school nurse day. Use one of these cards to share with your school nurse coworkers and friends.")
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