May 12 is National School Nurse Day, and according to the National Association of School Nurses website, it's commemorated because "school nursing is a specialized practice of professional nursing that advances the well being, academic success, and life-long achievement of students."
The 12 school nurses who support students and staff in each of the South Orange and Maplewood schools are the first responders in emergencies, both great and small, and help make it possible for some students to attend school when they otherwise would not be able to do so.
"Our district nurses are deserving of our respect and gratitude today," said Judy LoBianco, District Supervisor of Health, Physical Education and Nursing Services. "Their pivotal role in supporting the educational environment is one we should celebrate and be mindful of… not just today, but every day of the school year."
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The NASN president, Sandi Delack, summed up her thoughts in a recent message celebrating school nurses by saying, "What do school nurses do? If you ask that question to 50 school nurses, you will get 50 different answers, and with good reason! The role of the school nurse is as varied as the spectrum of the rainbow. Their desire to promote health and provide the best care possible to students and their families is remarkable. They are innovative, even in the most dire of staffing scenarios, and always have the best interest of the child/youth first."
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