Tessa McIlraith AKA Nurse Mac gets “Character Strong” on The CharacterStrong Podcast and answers this important question: How can schools utilize the school nurse to address the social emotional healthcare trends in the classroom?
We talk with Tessa about how nurses can help take more a more preventive approach in the school, how schools can better utilize their nurses as they focus on the whole child, and how nurses and schools can think creatively to help bring awareness to different healthcare needs.
Listen to Tessa by clicking here:
Bio of Tessa McIlraith, BSN, RN:
I started my nursing career as a CNA and worked my way from LPN to BSN. School nursing has been an amazing adventure. I love working with students and families for a longer duration throughout their education. It is gratifying seeing students learn to navigate their health and education goals. Leadership and advocacy are vital to being a school nurse. As a medical professional in the education setting, I must keep up on a variety of skills and knowledge about a very widespread practice. My goal is to be an asset to my community for health and well-being. Our practice is based on evidence-based practices and we are professionals. As the Legislative Chair of our state school nurse organization, I am a voice that helps our legislators and administrators fully understand and acknowledge the work school nurses do. I also enjoy the outdoors, own a farm, teach at a dance studio and have a wonderful, active family!
Workload: I currently am a District nurse overseeing 2 other amazing registered nurses and 9 health assistants. My caseload includes preschool to our transition program for up to 21-year-old students. I have approximately 1400 students and 2 buildings.
