School Nurse Facilitates The Educational Process Of Her Students
Misty Kennedy is a school nurse in Elgin School District U-46 and has worked as a school nurse for the past 5 years. A nurse serves an important role to address the physical, mental, emotional, and social health needs in the community. A school nurse strengthens and facilitates the educational process by improving and maintaining the health status of the students.
Kennedy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and has been a registered nurse for 12 years. Before moving to Illinois, she worked at a children's hospital in Florida as a pediatric nurse. Kennedy shares her experiences and thoughts on what it takes to work successfully with students,school staff, parents and community members as a school nurse in a school district.
What are the responsibilities of your current role?
"The major focus of a school nurse is to prevent illness and disability, and the early detection and correction of health problems. The school nurse supports students by providing health care through assessments and interventions. I develop and execute plans of care for students with chronic health conditions, act as a first responder, administer medication, and aid in public health by providing disease surveillance, immunization compliance, and health promotion. A school nurse also collaborates with school staff, parents, and community members to keep students safe at school and healthy to learn."
What is your favorite part of your daily duties?
"My favorite part of my job is working with the students and building relationships with them. Many of our students lack proper housing, food, clothing, and parental guidance. A student's health status and well-being is directly related to his or her ability to learn. Children with health needs that are unmet have a very difficult time engaging in the educational process. I enjoy helping these families get the care and support they need so that their children can be successful at school."
Do you feel your education prepared you for your current role?
"I feel my education prepared me for my role as a school nurse as much as possible. Each area of nursing is very specialized and much of the learning and growth is on the job. My course work in community health, mental health, critical thinking and clinical rotations were beneficial in my role as a school nurse"
Do you have any advice for people who desire to pursue a similar career?
"Being a nurse is the most difficult job I have had, but by far the most rewarding. If you are ready to work hard, but at the end of the day gain personal satisfaction knowing that you helped make a real difference in people's lives nursing may be for you. There are many different specialties within the nursing field which equals opportunities. Also, you can be a nurse anywhere with your education and training. High job security and scheduling flexibility are other great benefits to consider nursing."
Michelle Guilbeau is a writer, reviewer, teacher and business owner living in Chicago, Illinois. She also has experience in school administration, literacy coaching and is proud founder of CraftKitsForKids.com and MichelleGuilbeau.com Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of Chicago, food, travel, education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.