National School Nurse Day 2020

May 6, 2020 is National School Nurse Day and we are lucky to recognize our wonderful team! They are a critical part of supporting our school system. In the 2018-2019 school year, our 13 school nurses cared for students in some of the following important ways:

• 120,037 total clinic visits
• 42,551 individual administrations of medication
• 17,932 calls home

Our nurses also provide annual training for key BCSS staff in CPR and first aid as well as ensuring all our students are current with the required vaccinations for school. 

We asked them what they love about being a school nurse. We love their responses below!

Debbie Davis - Winder-Barrow High
“Being a school nurse is rewarding. I love helping students and strive to make a positive difference in their lives. Every day, they enrich my life with their smiles and laughter. I have the pleasure of working with an awesome team of administrators and faculty and I am thankful to be part of Barrow County School System.”

Melanie Henn - County Line Elementary
“I love so many things about school nursing but my favorite is teaching so I love being a school nurse because I get to educate students on physical and mental health.”

Lauren Cartee - Auburn Elementary
“I love being a school nurse, because I get to be the one to take care of the kids when they are sick or hurt, and there's nothing more rewarding than getting to be the one who helps them feel better.” 

Nina Martin - Winder Elementary
“A school nurse may be a student's only source of healthcare. It's rewarding. I've been called 'miss doctor' and 'miss dentist' that makes you feel good!”     

Nell Clemons - Statham Elementary
“I love being a school nurse because I get to develop an ongoing relationship with the students and be there for them in happy and sick times.” :) 

Monica Vick - Westside Middle/Russell Middle
“I love kids and I enjoy keeping them healthy and in school so they may obtain a great education.” 

Vickie Ortego - Apalachee High
“I love being a school nurse because I love working with children of all ages. Each child/student is unique and special in his/her own way. School nurses are often the only medical person a student sees. By being their school nurse I have the privilege of directly affecting them and hopefully I can make a positive difference in their lives. This also applies to being there for our staff. My job as a school nurse is fulfilling and challenging and makes me a better human being.”

Telecia Bell-Matthews - Kennedy Elementary
“I wanted to be a teacher as a kid and a nurse as a young adult. Being a School Nurse, I get the best of both worlds. I love being a School Nurse because I get to interact with and care for all of my little patients.”

Connie Rice - Yargo Elementary
“Trying to make a child smile and feel important while taking care of their health needs.”

Ursula Woods - Holsenbeck Elementary
“I love being a school nurse because of the joy that it brings me each day! I get about 300+ hugs, smiles, and I love yous throughout the day. I have truly missed that. I love you kiddos and we will be back to normal soon. Until then, take care of yourself, be kind, and you know to always wash your hands for 20 seconds! Sincerely, Nursula”

Moira Bernard-Moore - Bethlehem Elementary
“I am your School Nurse
I don’t have a magic wand.
A crystal ball or all the answers,
But I do have ears to listen,
A heart to care and time to give.
I have ideas and an open mind.
I am your School Nurse
I am always here for all of you!
Hugs and Band Aids, Nurse Moira”

Stephanie Arredondo - Bramlett Elementary
“I love being a school nurse because I get to make a difference every day!”