More Than Ice Packs and Band-Aids: Celebrating Health Services

At Richfield Public Schools, our students are not only supported in their learning—they are cared for, listened to, and healed by an incredible team of licensed school nurses (LSNs) and health paraprofessionals. This National School Nurse Day, we recognize the compassion, skill and dedication of our Health Services staff, who work tirelessly behind the scenes—and often on the front lines—to keep our students safe, healthy and ready to learn.

“I have the BEST team EVER,” said Michelle Whiteside, LSN and Health Services Supervisor for the district. “I know without a doubt that they have the best interest of our students and staff in all they do—and they take great pride in the care they give.”

No Two Days Are the Same

Ask anyone on the Health Services team what a typical day looks like, and you’ll quickly hear a common theme: unpredictability.

“A typical day in the health office is knowing there is no typical day,” shared Allisha Mazurkiewicz, health para at Sheridan Hills Elementary. “Some days you’re dealing with the usual ailments; other times you’re pulling slime out of someone’s hair or helping a student who says they have a ‘dizzy throat.’”

“A typical day in the health office is quite busy,” said Laurie Jackson, health para at Richfield STEM Elementary. With 25 years of service in RPS and a background in clinical nursing, Laurie added, “You can read all the funny stories after I retire and the book has been published!”

More Than Ice Packs and Band-Aids

Despite the stereotype, the work of school nurses and health paras goes far beyond minor scrapes and stomach aches.

“Being a nurse in education is about so much more than ice packs and Band-Aids,” said Darby Swank, LSN at the Central Education Center. “For many of our students, we are their access to health care. It’s an honor to support them and their families.”

“The relationships built with students, teachers and parents are very rewarding,” added Jenny Rodriguez, Richfield Dual Language School health para. “Even the little things, like a thank-you hug after giving out a magic ice pack, make a big difference.”

Educators, First Responders and Problem Solvers

School nurses are often the first line of defense for students with complex health needs or unexpected emergencies.

“As the only medical professional in my building, I’m the first responder for any medical emergency,” explained Libby Nelson, LSN at Richfield High School. “Health concerns can be scary. My job is to triage, make a plan and alleviate anxiety.”

“I love chatting with students about their lives and helping them understand their health,” said June Hove, LSN at Richfield Middle School. “We’re constantly using our critical thinking skills, assessing and intervening in seconds.”

The Power of Teamwork

Across the district, Health Services staff work closely together and with others to support students and families.

“Working as a team with parents and staff is essential to student well-being,” said Jenny Rodriguez. “I couldn’t have asked for better teammates in Health Services,” added Darby. “We keep each other laughing when the days get crazy.”

Muna Abdi, health para at Centennial, summed it up nicely: “The students and staff are the best. It’s the people that make this job so special.”

Thank You

To our amazing LSNs and health paras: thank you for your care, calm, courage and commitment. You are essential to the health and success of every student in Richfield.