National School Nurse Day
School Nurse Day is May 7th
Wednesday, May 7th is National School Nurse Day - a time DoDEA joins the nation to celebrate the specialized practice of school nursing. This celebration recognizes the contributions school nurses make every day to improve the safety, health, and academic success of all students.
School nurses are the very heartbeat of DoDEA schools. They stand ready to help every child all day, every day. They serve a pivotal role that bridges health care and education that is critical to student achievement. Grounded by standards of practice, the services provided by the school nurse include leadership, community/public health, care coordination, and quality improvement.
Karen Carson, a school nurse at Humphreys High School in South Korea, has been selected as the 2025 School Nurse of the Year by the Overseas School Health Nurses Association (OSHNA). OSHNA is an affiliate of the National Association of School Nurses in the United States.
With over 20 years of nursing experience, Carson embraced a new challenge five years ago when her family relocated to Camp Humphreys, South Korea, the largest U.S. overseas military base, and became a school nurse. Carson lists this opportunity as the highlight of her career, allowing her to improve student health outcomes through education, disease prevention, and leadership.
At Humphreys High School, Carson developed comprehensive health plans for over 800 students, ensuring individualized support for those with chronic conditions. Her leadership in organizing annual flu drives led to over a 90% student participation rate, significantly reducing flu-related absences. She facilitated 200 vision and hearing screenings for 10th graders, identifying students needing early intervention. During her time at Humphreys Middle School, she contributed to health and safety protocols for a student population exceeding 1,000.
Carson's leadership in school nursing extends beyond the health clinic. She actively engages with the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) team to address students' academic, behavioral, and other needs. As a Red Cross CPR Instructor, she trains both students and staff in lifesaving skills. Her role as a Nurse Aide Evaluator for DoDEA ensures the competency of aspiring healthcare professionals.
Carson's dedication to school nursing is grounded in a holistic approach that integrates preventative care, education, research, and leadership. Through collaboration, evidence-based interventions, and advocacy for student wellness, she strives to create a healthier school community where students can reach their full potential.
The number of students with complex physical and mental health conditions, along with the number of students at risk for health concerns, and students who are affected by societal issues, such as living in poverty, necessitates school nurses to use critical thinking and provide highly skilled, evidence-based practice that meet the needs of students, families and school communities.
Take time to recognize and celebrate school nurses!
- Have the school principal present the school nurse with a Certificate of Appreciation!
- Recognize the school nurse with appropriate mementos of appreciation.
- Have students make cards for the School Nurse.
- Include information about School Nurse Day in all school communications.
Additional resources to help your school honor school nurses can be found at: NASN Website
