7 minute read
LRCA Nursing Staff: The Wonder Women of Warriorville
By Heather Bennett, Communications
It goes without saying that 2020 transformed lives in countless ways from hoarding hand sanitizer to how we speak and everything in between. New expressions were coined while old ones experienced renewed vigor and heightened usage. One such term was healthcare heroes.
We salute LRCA’s nursing staff...our very own healthcare heroes! Next time you see one of these Wonder Women of Warriorville give them an air hug, elbow bump, or simply say thank you for caring for your children in such selfless, beautiful ways.
ELEMENTARY
Wendy Lynn, RN, has served as an LRCA nurse for seven years and has worked in healthcare since 2010. After having children, she felt called into nursing where she worked at St. Vincent Infirmary on a Neuro/Spine unit. Wendy has been married to Shane Lynn for 22 years. They have three Warriors; Mason (‘20), Connor (11th), and Ethan (9th).
Wendy shares her favorite part about working at LRCA, “As Dr. Arnold says, 'No Jesus, no school'. It's all about Him and for Him. How amazing it is to be a part of that! And I’m thankful for the amazing nurses that I get to serve with!”
“The limited interaction with the students this year has been very challenging. We miss seeing students in our office as much as we have in the past. Your children are amazing and it is an honor and a privilege to serve at LRCA,” she says.
Despite this year’s circumstances Wendy affirms, “It was wonderful to see the students reunited, laughing, and playing with friends in August. We are thankful to be here, in person, each day.”
When asked if she could be any superhero, Wendy states, “Elastigirl. She's an Incredible multitasking mom of 3!”
Sydney Ezell, RN, has worked as a nurse at LRCA for five years and in health care since 2006 as a cardiac nurse at Baptist. She and her husband Tim have four Warriors; Hadley (‘20), Drew (7th), Will (5th), and Brooklyn (K).
“I love that LRCA is not just a school, but also a community. It is so heartwarming to see the genuine love and support that flows freely on the campus. While we don't have students in class each day like a teacher, we definitely make connections with the kids. After spending several years caring for and loving them, we really miss them when they move up to the next school,” Sydney shares.
Sydney states, “I have really been amazed at the adaptability of the kids. From day one, they have not complained or even acted like things were out of the ordinary (this year). And obviously I am so thankful that we are here!"
Sydney’s superhero of choice is, “Wonder Woman. She has always been my favorite. Who wouldn't want a lasso of truth and an invisible jet?”
MIDDLE SCHOOL/JUNIOR HIGH
Heather Tomlinson, RN, has worked in healthcare for approximately 10 years ranging from the ICU to Postpartum. She started at LRCA six years ago. She and her husband Gil have three Warriors; Taylor ('12), Hannah ('20), and Hayden (11th).
Heather says, “My favorite part about working at LRCA is the Christcentered environment that we get to experience every day. I have worked in many different places and LRCA is "like nowhere else". I am so grateful
“The inspiration for my work goes back to why I felt called to be a nurse. I wanted to care for and serve people who were sick. I love that I have the privilege to not only care for a student's physical needs, but also their emotional and spiritual needs. I love being able to develop relationships with them and provide a safe place for them while they navigate the middle school and junior high years,” Heather shares.
She says, “If I could be any superhero, I would definitely want to be one that could heal and fly. I look forward to heaven where there will be no disease or suffering and where I hope to be able to fly! As I was thinking about superheroes, I was reminded that my superheroes are the students that I care for here at LRCA who have type 1 diabetes. I am in awe of their strength, perseverance, and diligence.”
Jennifer James, RN, started working at LRCA three years ago. She has been an OR nurse for 20 years. The last 15 have been at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Jennifer and her husband Donald have three Warriors; Benjamin (‘20), Gray (11th), and Luke (3rd).
Jennifer says, “I have really enjoyed the personal relationships with the students and new challenges, because school nursing requires a different set of skills than those I use in the operating room. It is a very humbling experience to be a part of so many children’s lives. The one thing I have learned from so many years as a pediatric nurse is that children are so strong and resilient and so grateful for every kindness you show them.”
“I have been amazed at how well the students have adapted to the many changes that have been implemented this year. They are able to find joy in the midst of uncertainty,” she shares.
Jennifer states if she could be any superhero, “I would want to be one who could take away illness and hurt from children so that they have bright futures full of happiness and hope.”
HIGH SCHOOL
Camie Boshears, RN, has served for 13 years at LRCA. Her 29 year healthcare career has primarily focused on women’s health. She taught childbirth classes for 11 years, was a Labor Doula, and presently volunteers at Caring Hearts Pregnancy Center. She and her husband Boyd (LRCA Director of Safety and Security) have Skeet (6th) and three children who are Warrior Alumni, Brooks, Stone, and Hope.
Camie shares, “My favorite part of working at LRCA is serving students and working alongside an amazing staff! I want my words and actions to reflect Christ in all I do. I hope that when someone enters the High School Nurses' Office that they see and feel Jesus. One of the best things about working at LRCA is being able to minister spiritually to a student while responding to his/her medical needs. Over the years of working here, those opportunities have inspired me and made me so thankful that I get to serve at such a wonderful school!” “I'm sure every woman would choose Wonder Woman! So, I would create "Marvel-ous Mermaid". I love water, any water! So when I wasn't assisting drowning victims and redirecting hurricanes, I would be swimming with the dolphins or sunning on a beach listening to the waves lap!” says Camie.
Sarah Rainwater, RN, has been at LRCA three years, and 14 years in healthcare. She was a nurse at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Retina Associates before staying home while her children were very young. She and her husband John (Class of ‘01) have three Warriors; Shepherd (4th), Rebecca (1st), and John Robert (PreK-3).
“My favorite part about working at LRCA is being able to work where my children go to school. The most challenging thing I would say is the fact that school nursing covers such a broad range of health issues, not just the physical, but also the mental and emotional aspects,” Sarah says.
She shares, “The relationships with the students and staff and being a part of the LRCA community inspire me. Working with the other nurses, the health and safety team and others to set up and implement a plan for the reopening of school and then seeing the doors stay open all semester have been a highlight despite the circumstances of 2020!”
Sarah’s kiddos helped her answer the superhero question. “My children suggested Elastigirl...maybe then I could be in three places at once!”
