Tightly packed, windowless, lined with three desks. One of the smallest rooms in EHS is actually one of the most important. Known simply as “The Nurse’s Office,” this compact space plays a crucial role in the school’s operations throughout the year. Behind the scenes and behind privacy screens are the nursing staff, who support the well-being of students and staff alike.
Contrary to popular student belief, nurses do much more than handle bandages and ice packs. Beyond tending to a range of 50 to 80 students daily, they perform many administrative tasks. These include processing sports physicals, doctor’s notes, and field trip paperwork, as well as providing first aid, performing health screenings, and filing incident reports.
“Our days are similar to an emergency room: unpredictable,” said Nurse Ms. Chitra Bhaskar. “We have direct patient care, chronic condition management, and administrative duties.”
School nurses such as Bhaskar, Ms. Laura Matonis, and Ms. Laura Golda are required to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). Additionally, they must also hold a current registered nurse license in New Jersey, CPR/BLS certification, and a school nurse certification.
Nurses don’t just tend to students; they also spend significant time communicating with parents, staff, and other nurses who need guidance. Sometimes, if coverage is short, they are assigned to another school, and, with their expertise, they advise elementary school nurses on enrollment and immunization.
With many administrative tasks and heavy documentation, nurses are instrumental in any school environment. Beyond their duties, they bridge communication gaps among parents, staff, and administration, ensuring documentation is up to date and informing parents of any health concerns or incidents involving their child.
“As a nursing team, we cultivate long-term relationships with students, we watch them grow by providing consistent care and making a real difference in their lives by helping them manage chronic conditions, identify issues, and positively influence their health and academic success,” said the nurses collectively. “Sometimes, a simple heartwarming appreciation from students makes our day go smoothly and makes us feel like a crucial and caring part of the school family.”
