May 6th is Nurses Appreciation Day and, at Anderson School, we can’t say enough about our nursing staff!
Anderson School’s model centers on the vital role that our nurses have in caring for the medical needs of our students, all of whom have complex medical needs. Most students have seizure disorders, chronic respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions, are non-speaking communicators, and have cerebral/cortical visual impairments.
Students and their families are comforted knowing there is always nursing coverage by registered nurses. Anderson School further differentiates its model by having only the RNs attend to all students’ medical needs. Most medical interventions are tended to within the classroom so that the teachers and specialists can continue their lessons, activities, and therapies while the nurse care for the students.
The Amazing Team of Nurses at Anderson School
Anderson School’s Nurse Leader, Lisa Starkweather, BSN, RN, remarks on her incredible team. “I have an amazing team of nurses, each of whom is skilled and confident in their capabilities while being focused and attentive to each student’s well-being. They work as a nursing team, seamlessly and calmly especially during medical emergencies, and care deeply about each student and their families.”
The nursing team at Anderson School includes Lisa, the Nurse Leader, Aubrey the assistant nurse leader and four additional registered nurses. Nurses work on each level of the school so that additional support is readily available via walkie talkie systems in the case of a medical emergency. Every classroom has a dedicated nurse, developing incredible bonds with their students. For example, Nurse Amanda has been with student Whit since he came to Anderson School. Whit uses his communication device to clearly ask for Nurse Amanda when she is on her lunch break.
While there is a strong team of nurses, there is also another remarkable team formed within each classroom that includes a nurse, lead teacher, paraprofessionals, and therapists. Observing the workings of the classroom team is akin to watching a symphony.
All other classroom staff have peace of mind and trust that the nurse is laser-focused on the health and well-being of each student in the classroom, so they can focus on academics, activities, and therapies to provide a nurturing environment. Therapists (e.g., OT, PT, SLPs) regularly coordinate with the nurses so that focus areas from their work can be incorporated by the nursing staff.
A day in the life of an Anderson School nurse includes dispensing medications and administering feedings via a student’s G tube. Suctioning and nebulizer treatments are common throughout the day; while seizure assessment and monitoring is ongoing. Chest physical therapy is also performed by the nurses if necessary.
Connecting Home and School and Medical Orders
The Anderson School nursing staff can offer support and resources regarding personal care attendants (PCAs) and home nursing to assist families with care outside of Anderson School. Daily nursing notes are sent home to families and a school-wide app used by all staff is used to communicate with families as needed throughout day. Ongoing communication keeps home life and school life connected with a priority of coordinated care and adhering to medical orders from the students’ doctors and specialists. The nursing team is in contact with students’ medical teams as approved by the family to best care for each student.
A Message from Our Director
“Our highly skilled and compassionate nursing staff is central to Anderson School’s model. Safety of each student is paramount to serving our students and families. For our unique student population, safety includes the essential role that our nursing staff provides daily to serve the needs of our students and to give our families peace of mind that their student is in a safe and nurturing environment where their medical needs are of utmost priority and taken care of by skilled and caring nurses. I am incredibly grateful for each member of our nursing team and applaud them for their professional capabilities and their deeply compassionate and calm demeanors.” Brian Saad, Anderson School Director
What our nurses mean to our students and their families
Our nurses give our parents and families peace of mind that their student is well-cared for and safe during each school day. One mother, Caroline, has previously shared the value to her son, Whit, and to their family and described Anderson School as a ‘lifesaver’, giving her the peace of mind that all his needs are met at school, being cared for by an ‘exceptional team’. That level of confidence in Anderson School enabled her to continue her professional career.
Another Anderson School mom is going back to earn her degree, knowing her student is well cared for in a safe and nurturing environment
“My child’s school nurse plays a meaningful role by providing compassionate care and clear communication, helping us feel comfortable while they are attending school. Their attentiveness and professionalism make a positive difference for our children.” Robin, parent of Anderson School student.
In addition to the parents and caregivers, Anderson School nurses have developed special relationships with the students. The students develop close bonds with their nurses who at times need to provide interventions that can be uncomfortable and invasive. They talk and provide reassurance for each student through the situation, building trust and a palpable connection. Additionally with a student population that has complex medical needs, hospitalizations may happen during the school year. The students and their families are the top priority for the staff, including the nurses as they send positivity, support, and prayers for their recovery.
On Nurses’ Appreciation Day, we salute the amazing nurses at Anderson School!
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