NHSG Staff Leavers

SPOTLIGHT ON THE ROLE OF SCHOOL NURSE

Being a school nurse isn’t just cold compresses and plasters...

The poor health of army recruits in the 1890s is thought to have created the need for nurses to look after the health of children and young people. In the early 1900s, these public health nurses were concerned with hygiene and the spread of disease, frequently dealing with outbreaks of flu and cholera. The role of School Nurse has changed immeasurably in the years since and expanded far beyond traditional nursing. School nurses are vital to the school environment and to the health and wellbeing of the young people in their care.

We talked to Vicki Wilson, Consultant Nurse for the GDST and School Nurse at Newcastle High School for Girls:

Have you always worked in a school?

No, this job was the first time I had worked in a school. It is completely different to anything I have done in the past. I have worked in intensive care, in Accident and Emergency in the UK and in Australia, in general paediatrics and in paediatric cardiology. All of the jobs I have had have contributed to the work I do now in School.

What is the role of the consultant nurse?

My role includes supporting the nurses, policies and liaising with GDST schools to help support pupils. I have also recently been on the GDST podcast and have been asked to be a speaker at an eating disorders event for the Chartered College of Teaching.

What does a typical day involve?

Who knows?! My day can involve all sorts. Teaching lessons, talking to pupils, arranging support and help, talking to parents, paracetamol and ice packs!

What is the most dramatic medical emergency you have dealt with?

Things like allergic reactions and asthma attacks are scary in a school setting. Luckily they don’t happen too often (touch wood). Things like a pupil knocking themselves out from swinging off a chair can also be quite dramatic. It can be a big concern when a pupil is not in school and contacts me for help, or if a pupil is struggling with their mental health.

What made you want to become a school nurse?

I was working in Paediatric Intensive Care and was ready for a change. I saw an advert for this job as a School Nurse and thought that looks lovely and something different. I have gone from looking after very unwell children to very healthy children, which brings it’s own challenges. I had no idea what the job would involve, it is very different to anything I had done before.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a School Nurse?

I love watching the girls grow through their school career. The girls that were in Nursery when I started here are now in Year 10, and it is a privilege to see them grow up. I also love talking to the girls about their lives and being able to help them, if I can. I really enjoy being with teenagers!

What is the most challenging aspect of your role?

Working with teachers! (joking). Big challenges for me are working on my own. As a nurse, we always work in a team and have others to rely on in a clinical setting. In school however, I work closely with the pastoral team and we support each other.

What is the most important thing you do as a school nurse?

Being available for the girls to talk to, and as I am not a teacher it means I am more accessible. It is really important that I am in school every day so that the girls can access help at the time that they really need it. I work hard at changing perceptions of the school nurses, in my day to day role and in my role as Trust Consultant Nurse.

If you weren’t a School Nurse what would you be?

I always wanted to be a pilot, but whenever I completed those tests at school about future careers and I got nurse! I enjoy working with people too much, so I can’t think of any better job than a nurse.

How has your job changed over the years?

I am always striving to improve and develop the role of School Nurse. It has changed hugely; mental health is now a main focus of my role. Relationship education has also changed. Being able to teach PSHE lessons is great. Year 7 are learning about self-esteem at the moment.

Who is your nursing role model?

I don’t have a famous one. I have worked with incredible nurses in my career, and they are my role models.

What are you most proud of achieving during your time at NHSG?

I think I am proud of changing the perception of the nurse in school, and being an integral member of staff. I hope that I am approachable for all of the pupils to come and get help.

What do you wish the pupils would stop doing?

Putting too much pressure on themselves. They are amazing young people.

NHSG are proud to have recently opened our dedicated pastoral area called ‘The Hub’. This is a space where girls can go to feel safe and calm, and to focus on their wellbeing. The Hub also has a room called the ‘Zen Den’, which is there for self-regulation if anyone is ever feeling overwhelmed.

Check out the GDST’s Podcast Raise Her Up, Season 2 Episode 4, The Lowdown on Breasts featuring Vicki at: https://pod.link/1584135296