As healthcare organizations across the United States celebrate National Nurses Week May 6-12, Spring ISD is celebrating our very own healthcare heroes on National School Nurses Day on Wednesday, May 10.

“Nurses are trained to provide healthcare that focuses on prioritizing the patient’s needs,” said Dr. Felicia Thomas, Spring ISD Director of Nursing and Health Services. “School nurses strategically mesh their awareness of  developmental milestones of students, understanding learning outcomes, and their knowledge of nursing to guide the day-to-day practices as they serve students and staff on each campus.”

Since 1972, National School Nurse Day has been set aside to recognize school nurses. The annual day of recognition was established to foster a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting, and is celebrated on the Wednesday within National Nurses Week, which takes place May 6 through 12 every year.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, over 40% of school-aged children suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, food allergies, and seizures. School nurses are charged with supporting students and their families, as well as staff members, to support academic success by reducing missed school days through the successful management of these chronic diseases. They are also a key player in the prevention of contagious disorders, such as COVID-19 and the flu.

Be sure and thank your school nurse on Wednesday, May 10, for their hard work every single day of the school year to keep our community safe and healthy!