This morning, the school nurses of my Camden, New Jersey School District received an email from Dr. Keith Benson, the president of our union. I felt compelled to share the message, with Dr. Benson’s permission, because we need to celebrate moments like this. School nurses across our country have been and still are, working under the most extreme conditions, both physically and emotionally. It is messages like this when we feel appreciated, acknowledged, and valued that help us find the energy to continue. Thank you, Dr. Benson, your message lifted our spirits in the most meaningful ways, through your words and actions.
May 7, 2021
Good morning Nurses,
NOTHING has reminded society about the importance of the vital function you all play in schools like the last year. You all have performed heroically. So many people are benefitting today, in our buildings right now, because of the work you have done over this past year. From researching schooling DURING a pandemic and best practices, staying up-to-date on the latest research regarding COVID and the CDC, NIH, and DoH, helping to craft the return-to school plan, even becoming YouTube celebrities in doing instructional videos about maintaining safety… you folks have done it all – and then some.
We are so fortunate to have you in our buildings as the work you do is needed by so many. Thank you all so very much for all the amazing work yall have done over the course of your careers, and certainly over the last year. Hopefully, some of you have been journaling because of your reflections and experiences during these pandemic days – so when it does happen again, a school nurse in 2080 may be able to go back and read some information you folks preserved. Yall are the experts on this.
Thank you all again for guiding us through this year safely on so many different fronts!
Fortunate to Have You,
Dr. Keith E. Benson
President
Camden Education Association
“The only time we should be looking down on others is when we are bending over to help them up.”
