ABRHS Nurses
BY SOPHIA SAGHIR '24
Although the pandemic has been a predominantly negative experience, it has also called attention to the activities we take for granted, such as spending time with friends and going to school. It has further shone a light on previously overlooked jobs and people, including our school nurses who risk their lives everyday to serve our community. This challenging time has highlighted their vital roles and emphasized their hard work and diligence. Our nurses contribute immensely to our school, taking on the demanding role of maintaining a healthy and safe space for students.
Pre-pandemic, school nurses already had a hefty amount of duties to ensure the well-being of students. One of the ABRHS nurses, Ms. Loeb, wrote, “[My usual responsibility is] keeping students and staff healthy and safe.” This simple statement not only encompasses the usual first aid, like offering a band-aid and assessing minor injuries, but also includes verifying students’ immunization records and ensuring that students with medical histories can still come to school. Further, Ms. Loeb and Ms. McGovern, the second ABRHS nurse, aim to provide a safe place for students who need a moment of silence or, conversely, a conversation to help them with anxiety and relaxation. “Sometimes I feel like a jack of all trades,” said Ms. McGovern. “One day I might be dealing with someone that had anaphylaxis and having to give them an epi-pen, and then the next day, someone who needs to take a break from school for a couple of minutes and just sit and chat. So the spectrum is very wide.” Although the nurses face a multitude of important tasks, they both agreed that “the most rewarding thing [of being a nurse] is to see kids every day and make a difference in their lives.”
However, due to COVID-19, the nurses can’t see students as frequently anymore. The pandemic has taken over much of their work at the health office. Over the summer, the nurses had to do a considerable amount of work learning and adopting the COVID guidelines to keep everyone healthy. Mrs. McGovern stated, “One of our big tasks here is to get the word out about COVID mitigation, as far as wearing a mask, washing your hands, and social distancing.” They are also responsible for close contact tracing and following up with students if a family member tests positive for the virus. The nurses then have to explain quarantine logistics and connect impacted students to their counselor to ensure they have access to education. Additionally, since the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has mandated that all students must receive a flu vaccine, the nurses are in charge of organizing and getting all of the documentation from families.
However, throughout all these changes, the nurses have maintained their positive mindset. Ms. McGovern explained, “I think by knowing that everybody is in this together, [we can overcome the challenges of COVID-19]. And it's not just one person that has to bear all of this—it's all of us collectively. If everybody does their part, then we're in a great position.”
ABRHS nurses are always “a resource here for any student, and it doesn't have to be health-related. It could be anything—our door’s always open,” reminded Mrs. McGovern. From small first-aid incidents to the additional work COVID-19 has presented, the nurses have continuously dedicated themselves toward helping students. They work hard to make our lives at school happier, comfortable, and safer. So the next time you see our school nurses, make sure you show your appreciation and give them a “thank you!”
Pre-pandemic, school nurses already had a hefty amount of duties to ensure the well-being of students. One of the ABRHS nurses, Ms. Loeb, wrote, “[My usual responsibility is] keeping students and staff healthy and safe.” This simple statement not only encompasses the usual first aid, like offering a band-aid and assessing minor injuries, but also includes verifying students’ immunization records and ensuring that students with medical histories can still come to school. Further, Ms. Loeb and Ms. McGovern, the second ABRHS nurse, aim to provide a safe place for students who need a moment of silence or, conversely, a conversation to help them with anxiety and relaxation. “Sometimes I feel like a jack of all trades,” said Ms. McGovern. “One day I might be dealing with someone that had anaphylaxis and having to give them an epi-pen, and then the next day, someone who needs to take a break from school for a couple of minutes and just sit and chat. So the spectrum is very wide.” Although the nurses face a multitude of important tasks, they both agreed that “the most rewarding thing [of being a nurse] is to see kids every day and make a difference in their lives.”
However, due to COVID-19, the nurses can’t see students as frequently anymore. The pandemic has taken over much of their work at the health office. Over the summer, the nurses had to do a considerable amount of work learning and adopting the COVID guidelines to keep everyone healthy. Mrs. McGovern stated, “One of our big tasks here is to get the word out about COVID mitigation, as far as wearing a mask, washing your hands, and social distancing.” They are also responsible for close contact tracing and following up with students if a family member tests positive for the virus. The nurses then have to explain quarantine logistics and connect impacted students to their counselor to ensure they have access to education. Additionally, since the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has mandated that all students must receive a flu vaccine, the nurses are in charge of organizing and getting all of the documentation from families.
However, throughout all these changes, the nurses have maintained their positive mindset. Ms. McGovern explained, “I think by knowing that everybody is in this together, [we can overcome the challenges of COVID-19]. And it's not just one person that has to bear all of this—it's all of us collectively. If everybody does their part, then we're in a great position.”
ABRHS nurses are always “a resource here for any student, and it doesn't have to be health-related. It could be anything—our door’s always open,” reminded Mrs. McGovern. From small first-aid incidents to the additional work COVID-19 has presented, the nurses have continuously dedicated themselves toward helping students. They work hard to make our lives at school happier, comfortable, and safer. So the next time you see our school nurses, make sure you show your appreciation and give them a “thank you!”
