May 6 is School Nurse Day

As schools and communities across the country celebrate School Nurse Day this year, they are recognizing the many ways these professionals are supporting students in this time of crisis.

This is true in the Shawnee Mission School District and in school districts across the country. We encourage our community to thank our School Nurses on May 6, School Nurse Day.

“This year, more than ever, all members of our school communities, school nurses included, have been required to take on unprecedented roles and adapt quickly to changes in their jobs,” states information from the National Association of School Nurses. “It is reflective of the significant roles school nurses have in the health care of their school communities to help make a healthier place for children and families to learn and grow during this crisis.”

Shawnee Mission School Nurses have been operating phone lines to answer questions about COVID-19 for the Johnson County Health Department. They have also supported food service staff, helping to provide support at Pickup and Go meal sites. They continue to work with families to help them meet the health needs of students while they are at home, Shelby Rebeck, director of health services said.

“I am so fortunate to work with this team,” Rebeck said. “They amaze me every day.”

School Nurse Day is celebrated within National Nurses Week, which concludes on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.