Just need a safe space to place my frustration and growing sadness.
This week is teacher's appreciation week, and I get it... teachers greatly outnumber us in the building. Teachers are getting lunches, picnics, gifts, etc. every day this week. But Nurse's week is the 6th-12th this year and NO mention of it has been made at my campus. Counselors got their week, assistant principals had treats and gifts catered in for them, even school clerks got their appreciation day. But me, the nurse? I'm a background character I suppose.
The cherry-- a counselor just sent a school-wide email that reads: "Not only are you the teacher, but the co-parent, the parent, the nurse, the confidant, the advisor, and so much more."
That's funny... I don't recall any of our teachers having any inkling of knowledge about the pandemic we weathered this year; the one that school nurses were at the forefront of. I didn't see any teachers providing sick care to kids throughout the year.
I've been subtly trying to remind a few administrators that our week is nearly here, not in a way that says "hey don't forget to recognize me!" because I think that's tacky, but wow I just wish someone would say "thank you" especially after the year we've had. ?
Is anyone else's school doing anything to celebrate you this week?
Folks, my school send my flowers today specific for School Nurses Day. They have NEVER done this before. I think I made an impact this year between this and my promotion.
Folks, my school send my flowers today specific for School Nurses Day. They have NEVER done this before. I think I made an impact this year between this and my promotion.
My principal insisted on buying lunch for me and the Admin Assisstant and we gathered together (spaced 6+ feet apart), shut the office door, and had an uninterrupted lunch yesterday. It was lovely. The former nurse leader, who retired last year, brought flowers to each of the nurses as well.
yeah - not even a passing mention here. The salt in the wound was getting recalled when I was leaving for lunch and having to turn around. I'll leave 15 min early to somewhat balance it, but still made me cranky.
Specializes in school nursing/ maternal/child hospital based.
To all of my fellow school nurses that have not gotten the recognition or thanks from your administration or leadership this year, I want to say I am sorry, but want to also say that I appreciate you, I see you and all of your hard work, and know the value of your knowledge and experience. This has been one hell of a year. Know in your hearts that you are valuable and continue to make a difference in the lives of your students. Sending much love!
For my Fellow Massachusetts School Nurses, I am not sure if you saw/heard, but Commissioner Riley put School Nurse Day at the top of his weekly report this week. I have not made it a habit of reading his reports before this year, but I have a feeling this was in direct response to our role during the Pandemic. I felt like that was somewhat important, and I only hope that we get some kind of public recognition such as that in future years!
For my Fellow Massachusetts School Nurses, I am not sure if you saw/heard, but Commissioner Riley put School Nurse Day at the top of his weekly report this week. I have not made it a habit of reading his reports before this year, but I have a feeling this was in direct response to our role during the Pandemic. I felt like that was somewhat important, and I only hope that we get some kind of public recognition such as that in future years!
Yep I saw that! I actually wondered if was part of the reason I actually got flowers ;).
JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN
3,035 Posts
Folks, my school send my flowers today specific for School Nurses Day. They have NEVER done this before. I think I made an impact this year between this and my promotion.
Only took 8 years :).