The Relentless School Nurse: We Are Still Here – School Nurses Leading Through Crisis and Change

 

 

Dear Fellow School Nurses,

On this School Nurse Day 2025, I write to you with admiration and profound solidarity.

These past few years have tested us in ways we never imagined. From navigating the frontlines of a global pandemic to responding to the mental health crisis unfolding in our students, we have carried far more than our job descriptions could ever capture. We’ve been called upon—again and again—to rise, adapt, and lead through uncertainty and exhaustion.

And now, as we continue this essential work, we are doing so under the immense weight of a polarizing political climate. Health decisions are politicized. Public health is under scrutiny. Policies affecting children’s rights, families’ privacy, and even our professional autonomy are shifting beneath our feet. The stress is real. The stakes feel higher than ever.

Yet through it all, you continue to show up with expertise, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to your students.

We are the Chief Wellness Officers of our schools. This is not just a symbolic title—it is a truth we live every day. We support the whole child: physically, emotionally, and socially. We are often the first to notice when a student is struggling and the first to respond with care. We build bridges between families, educators, and community providers. We advocate for equity, safety, and access to care—even when systems make that difficult.

Our work is often invisible to those outside our profession, but its impact is undeniable. We lead health initiatives, guide policy decisions, and create safe spaces for healing. We are educators, counselors, case managers, first responders, and fierce advocates. And all the while, we are navigating our own emotions and well-being within a landscape that often feels uncertain, and at times, unsafe.

So today, I want you to hear this clearly: You are seen. You are valued. You are not alone.

The work you do is essential—not just to your school, but to the future of public health and education. You are holding the line, building trust, and creating possibilities in the lives of students who may not have anyone else. That is leadership.

2025 School Nurse Day is a moment to acknowledge our accomplishments and our endurance. Today we can honor our knowledge, skills, and training, and our heart. Together, we are changing lives and saving them too—one student, one family, one school at a time.

With deep admiration and unwavering gratitude,

Robin Cogan, MEd, RN, NCSN, FNASN, FAAN
The Relentless School Nurse Who Believes in You

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Your voice matters. Your story matters. Together, we are stronger—and together, our impact is lasting.