SALEM — This isn't a typical day for Lancaster Elementary School nurse Tina White — it's usually much busier.
Even so, in the course of 30 minutes Friday, two first-graders come into her office. A girl complains of fever. A boy arrives for a vision screening.
White, 60, said she loves her job and counts it as her favorite after 20 years in nursing and two previous careers, working for the IRS and as a credit/collections manager.
She has been at Lancaster for eight years. The school has 300 students from kindergarten through Grade 5.
— Terry Date
Why did you become a school nurse?
I think I actually always wanted to be a nurse. When I was in high school, I volunteered at the local hospital as a candy striper. I think I've always been good at caring about people and caring for people.
What are some of a school nurse's duties?
We assess the students and staff who come in and aren't feeling well. We assess injuries and give out medications that are prescribed. We do care plans for special needs students ... Right now, when children return back to school, I check the kids for their temperature and see if they had any meds and went to a doctor.
Has this year been worse in terms of the number of sick children?
Only for a week. I was seeing 50 to 70 kids a day. It was like probably the beginning of the month (November).
How many children do you see on a typical day?
Thirty-five to 50.
Do kids come to school sick?
Sometimes. But this isn't black and white. You always have mild colds going on ... but the cold may develop into other things and that may develop during the day. Like the flu, there can be a sudden onset.
Have you had any kids with H1N1?
They have just had the flu. They haven't been tested for H1N1.
Has this year been more stressful, with all the information out there about H1N1 and vaccinations?
Yes.
Why?
Due to the media exposure.
Have you had to do more, be more vigilant?
I'm more vigilant (about thorough hand washing) with students who use my bathroom and students who come into my office.
Have you had to be extra careful to keep the office clean?
Yes, absolutely. We have a new custodian. He's been great. He comes in three times a day to clean the couches, chairs, doorknobs.
Is today a typical day?
No, it's a very (slow) day. It's nice because you can catch up on the charting and the screening. Don't forget, the rest of the day can be insane.
What would people be surprised to know about your job?
I get a lot of comments from the staff on how busy I am. I think people are really surprised. There is a lot of quick thinking and you have to hold it all together. I think it is a great job. It's been the best job I ever had. The biggest reward is you walk into the lunchroom and you are like a celebrity.
