Getting to Know Lindsay Roberts, School Nurse at Apollo Elementary

CULTURAL BRIDGES: Tell us about your position and what you do on a day-to-day basis.

LINDSAY ROBERTS: In addition to attending meetings and trainings, my typical day includes writing up and maintaining health care plans for students, communicating with families and reviewing confidential emergency health information, medications lists, immunization records for each student to make sure their information and all of the necessary paperwork is upto-date. I also take care of students coming in for bumps/bruises or more serious concerns.

I perform staff trainings-epipen/medication administration for emergencies as well as the hearing and vision screening. Part of my job is also facilitating connections between families and resources; picking up and delivering clothing or other household needs to families as needed.

CB: Why did you choose to work as a school nurse?

LR: I worked as a substitute school nurse as it was the perfect shift for me being a stay at home mom. I instantly fell in love with school nursing! I loved getting to know the students and loved learning how much the school nurse does for the community and knew I wanted to be a part of it full-time someday! Once my youngest started Kindergarten, I decided that becoming a full-time school nurse would be a great fit!

CB: Could you explain what the Nurse’s Fund is?

LR: The Nurse’s Fund is to help students within the ISD and their families who need financial assistance with food, clothing, school expenses, medications, living expenses, medical expenses, vision glasses, etc. The school nurse becomes aware of families and students who may need assistance by referrals from other school staff, other families or talking to the families directly. The school nurse then evaluates the situation and if appropriate, offers assistance. Families are not required to provide proof of their need for assistance or financial situation. The money used by the Nurse’s Fund comes from donations.

CB: Any story you would like to share?

LR: My favorite memory of being a substitute school nurse was when I would sub at my daughter’s school. She and her friends would come in to visit me during their recesses and sometimes ask to eat their lunch with me! I also noticed her friends would have a “tummy ache” during class when I working at their school. It really was sweet.

CB: Tell me a little bit about yourself outside your work.

LR: I was born and raised in Renton and now live in Maple Valley with my family. I am married with 2 incredible children. Prior to the pandemic, we loved going on family vacations and can’t wait to get back to it and explore new places! Our favorite vacation is Disneyland!

Our next vacation we would like to do is Maui for the first time as a family. Right now, we are comfortable and happy staying home and relaxing and spending quality time together. We will get through this. We are in this together.