The imrpotance of the school nurse is often underestimated, becasue many students see it as a place to get ice or a brief rest. But for other studemts, the nurse’s office is an important resource for health and emotional support. Here is a closer look at the experiences of high school students as they share what works, what doesn’t, and how the role of the nurse could be changed.
While some students view the school nurse as something irrelevant or a space for minor injuries, others see it as an important part of the school experience. Because of its accessibility to mental health support, students are offering valuable insights into how the nurse’s office is serving their needs and how it could be improved.
“It’s been very useful for me because it helps me when I’m feeling sick, when I’m injured. So I think students should appreciate it more,” Samuel Mendivelso, 10th grader, said
Some students, like Mendivelso, recognize the value of the nurse’s office, especially for those dealing with physical health issues. Still there is, misconceptions about its true function.
“I think there’s some students who don’t like it, maybe the majority because there are sometimes like that joke that is that they only give ice. However, it’s been very useful for me because it helps me when I’m feeling sick, when I’m injured.” Mendivelso adds.
Other students, like Samuel Lopez, have had positive experiences in the nurse’s office. Samuel, for example, received helpful care during a recent visit, where the nurse addressed his concerns and made him feel comfortable. His experience highlights how the school’s health services provide both medical care and personal support.
“I’ve visited the nurse’s office several times. My experiences have generally been positive. The nurse is usually calm and helpful, and she always takes the time to listen to my concerns,” Samuel Lopez, junior , said.
Still, despite positive experiences for some, others remain hesitant to seek help. As Lopez explains, some students worry about being judged or feel their concerns might not be taken seriously, which prevents them from seeking care.
“Some students might still feel hesitant to seek help, especially if they’re dealing with personal issues.”
Approachability is often mentioned as a key factor in whether students feel comfortable visiting the nurse.
“The nurse is friendly and creates a welcoming atmosphere, but it can feel like a bit of a hassle, especially when students are busy with classes.” Lopez said.
Mendivelso agrees that the nurse’s office needs improvements, explaining that it is often overcrowded, which makes students feel uncomfortable about seeking help. He also thinks that relocating the office to a more central location in the school could really help the perception of the nurse he also proposes. A more spacious, conveniently placed nurse’s office that would help reduce stress and encourage students to seek care when needed.
“The nurses are full almost every time, and it’s a little bit scary for someone to say their condition, I think the nurse would need an update for it to be in a more central spot, for it for the elementary students so they can get to it more easily.” he says.
Lopez sees room for improvement in how students perceive the nurse’s office. He believes that many students don’t realize all the services the nurse offers, which may prevent them from seeking help. Lopez thinks that increasing awareness through posters and announcements to show the nurse’s role in addressing both physical and emotional health. Could make students feel more comfortable and encourage them to visit for a wider range of concerns.
“To encourage more students to visit, maybe there could be more information shared about what the nurse can help with by having more posters or announcements that could make students feel more comfortable.” he suggests.
Some students believe that the nurse’s office could be used as a resource to teach students about healthy habits, even though they don’t see it as the nurse’s primary responsibility.
“I think the nurse is a really important part of the school,maybe students don’t always realize it, but it’s a place where we can go to feel better when we’re not doing well, physically or mentally.”” concludes Mendivelso.