The importance of the school nurse is often underestimated, as many students see it simply as a place to get ice or take a brief rest. However, for others, the nurse’s office serves as a vital resource for both health and emotional support. Here’s a closer look at the experiences of high school students, who share what works, what doesn’t, and how the role of the nurse could evolve.

While some students view the school nurse as irrelevant or only helpful for minor injuries, others recognize its significant role in the school community. Thanks to its accessibility for mental health support, students are offering valuable insights into how the nurse’s office serves their needs and how it could improve.

“It’s been very useful for me because it helps me when I’m feeling sick or when I’m injured. So I think students should appreciate it more,” said Samuel Mendivelso, a 10th grader.

Some students, like Mendivelso, value the nurse’s office, especially for addressing physical health issues. However, misconceptions about its purpose persist.

“I think there are some students who don’t like it—maybe the majority—because of that joke that they only give ice. However, it’s been very useful for me when I’m feeling sick or injured,” Mendivelso added.

Other students, like Samuel Lopez, have also had positive experiences in the nurse’s office. Lopez described receiving helpful care during a recent visit, where the nurse addressed his concerns and made him feel comfortable. His experience highlights the dual role of the nurse’s office in providing 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,” said Samuel Lopez, a junior.

Still, despite positive feedback from some, other students remain hesitant to seek help. Lopez explained that 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,” Lopez said.

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 added.

Mendivelso agreed that the nurse’s office needs improvements, noting that it is often overcrowded, which can make students uncomfortable about seeking help. He also suggested relocating the office to a more central location in the school, which would improve accessibility and perception.

“The nurse’s office is full almost every time, and it’s a little bit scary for someone to share their condition. I think the nurse’s office needs an update, maybe moving it to a more central spot so elementary students can get to it more easily,” Mendivelso said.

Lopez also sees room for improvement in how students perceive the nurse’s office. He believes many students don’t realize all the services the nurse offers, which may prevent them from seeking help. Increasing awareness through posters and announcements could help students feel more comfortable and encourage them to visit for a broader range of concerns.

“To encourage more students to visit, maybe there could be more information shared about what the nurse can help with, like having more posters or announcements,” Lopez suggested.

Some students believe the nurse’s office could be used as a resource to teach healthy habits, even if that’s not its primary role.

“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,” Mendivelso concluded.