The Relentless School Nurse: Mile Markers 40/25/9 – A Journey of Nursing, Advocacy, and Storytelling

This year, I arrive at three significant mile markers:

• 40 years as a nurse

• 25 years as a school nurse

• 9 years writing this blog

Each of these markers is more than just a number. They are signposts along a road I’ve been traveling for decades—reminders of the distance covered, the unexpected detours, the steep climbs, and the breathtaking views. They represent progress, persistence, and the people I’ve walked beside along the way.

Mile Marker: 40 Years of Nursing

When I look back to my very first mile marker, I see myself as a new nurse—wide-eyed, nervous, and determined to learn. The road stretched out before me, unknown and at times intimidating. Nursing taught me quickly that there would be no shortcuts. Every patient carried a story, and listening to those stories was as vital as any clinical skill. Forty years later, I still carry that truth: nursing is about presence, humility, and walking with people in their most vulnerable moments.

Forty years in nursing have shown me that we don’t achieve longevity alone. We are sustained by our communities—students whose trust is a privilege, colleagues who inspire, and families who rely on us in times of uncertainty. Those connections, and the stories we exchange, lay the groundwork for real change in schools and beyond.

Mile Marker: 25 Years of School Nursing

Twenty-five years ago, I took a turn onto a road I hadn’t originally planned—school nursing. That decision changed the entire course of my journey. Behind the school health office door, I discovered a world where public health and education intersect every single day. After decades in this work, one truth stands out: our advocacy and our stories are the engines of progress. Let’s support one another in challenging misconceptions and in shaping what school nursing will become for those who follow.

If you are a school nurse—whether just starting or decades into your practice—know that your story has power. When we share honestly with administrators, lawmakers, families, and one another, we shift mindsets. Our narratives advocate for better resources, best practices, and respect for the complexity of our roles. With every story bravely told, doors open for understanding, support, and new opportunities for the next generation of school nurses.

Here is my invitation, as I mark these milestones:

• Share your experiences, both the uplifting and the difficult. Your words can be the inspiration another nurse needs to keep going or to speak up for change.

• Mentor when you can, and seek mentorship when you need it. Our longevity is a gift—let’s give freely of our lessons learned.

• Practice self-compassion. Sustaining a career in nursing requires caring for ourselves with the same intention we offer others.

• Find and nurture your community—online, within your school district, or at your state association. We are stronger together.

Mile Marker: 9 Years of Blogging

Nine years ago, I started writing this blog, not knowing where it might lead. Hitting “publish” on that first post was like setting out on a new stretch of road, unsure of what was ahead. Since then, this space has become its series of mile markers—stories shared, connections made, advocacy strengthened. Blogging has reminded me that our words can bridge distances, dismantle misconceptions, and elevate the profession. It’s proof that when we share our journey, others find the courage to share theirs.

The Road Ahead

The beauty of mile markers is that they are not endpoints. They remind us that the road continues. The terrain may change—sometimes smooth, sometimes rocky—but each marker pushes us forward with greater perspective.

Here’s to the miles behind us and the road ahead: For me, it’s been 40 years of nursing, 25 years of school nursing, 9 years of blogging—and to the relentless pursuit of change that keeps us moving forward, together. There are more mile markers ahead! Bring on the 2025-2026 school year, we’ve got this!

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What mile markers are you reaching this year? Let’s share them and celebrate them! 

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