"With our large student population",she continued, "we have to be ready for medical emergencies, big or small.  We need to keep a watchful eye for symptoms that could be signs of more serious problems. Not all cases are urgent, but many must be taken seriously. I have diabetic children who must come in daily to test their sugar levels. We have 47 kids recognized with Asthma, and I keep up with their inhalers, nebulizers and make sure they get their daily treatments."

During flu season Sharon estimates seeing as many as 50 students per day as opposed to 15 - 20 on an average day.

"There wasn't an oxygen tank when I came here," Listui reported, "but the potential need was here due to all the asthma and allergies in the school. We also have a pulse ocimeter which reads pulse and oxygen saturation, and two defibrillators—I keep one handy and the athletic department keeps the other."

With all the good equipment on hand for extreme emergencies, it's the lesser injuries and sicknesses that are troubling. When an automatic thermometer went missing, Sharon bought another out of her own pocket. "Supplies go very fast, and we never have quite enough," she lamented. "To properly stock our medical closet cost more dollars than we are allocated. It isn't an easy task. Our Superintendent is continually exploring revenue channels for supplemental income to help cover the costs."

A day in the life of a school nurse is, obviously, never the same. The need (and needs of) a school nurse remains constant. "My skills have really aided me in this position," she says. "When you're a pre-op and recovery nurse you're assessing at all times, and that is what I do here on a daily basis. 

Not only does the nurse attend the nicks, scrapes and illnesses, but she also doses out nutrition and health.  She monitors the Scoliosis checks for grades 5-9 and hearing checks for the kindergarten classes. She teaches basic CPR and First Aid to 10th graders as well as hygiene classes for the second grade. She's busy, dedicated and obviously connects with the students.  Sharon Listui is ready for the next day.

Highland Home School Nurse, Sharon Listui
earned her nursing degree in Ashland, Ohio.