Meet Elaine Mills, R.N., Intermediate School nurse!

What is your favorite aspect of your job?

Having a positive impact on the lives of children is the most important aspect of my job as a school nurse.  When students come to our office they are usually sick, injured or emotional about something going on in the class or at home.  Being able to get them the medical attention they need or providing care on-site and turning their day around is what is important to me.

Why do you believe in and support the work of Minisink Valley School District?

The Minisink Valley School District is committed to assisting students to reach their full potential, and the health of our students directly affects that outcome. By keeping students healthy, physically and emotionally, and assisting students with medical conditions stay in school and learning, we are supporting that commitment.

How has this pandemic refocused the work you do every day?

We have all had to switch up our responsibilities this past year. Although our nursing focus on student health hasn’t changed, we have been challenged to assist more in the day-to-day operations of the school as it relates to the pandemic. It has been very rewarding expanding our role and being able to help staff, students and families navigate the ever changing challenges of this pandemic.

What do you want to say directly to the community about the importance of your work?

Keeping students in school and learning by keeping them healthy is the nurses’ primary goal.  We work as a team with administration, teachers, staff and parents to meet that goal. It is a rewarding experience and I feel blessed to have a small part in preparing your children for a healthy and successful educational experience.