As we near the completion of 2020, we would like to highlight one last district nurse as part of the district’s inaugural nursing series. Today, we hear from RCS Middle School Nurse Ms. Waddingham. Please take a moment to learn about her work to keep students healthy, while ensuring a safe environment for the middle school campus.
We want to thank all of our nurses and health officials in the district for their hard work and dedication during the school year. Thank you!
How did you first enter the nursing field?
As a parent and staff member at Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary, I was truly inspired by the now retired School Nurse Joanne Dardani. Watching her care for my children and the other students in the building had a strong impact on me. She was always professional, skilled, kind and caring, and she shared those same qualities with families as well as her students. I spent three years working in urgent care, family care and drug addiction nursing before coming to the RCS District.
How has COVID-19 impacted our school community?
The impact of COVID-19 on our community has been expansive. It has asked us to change just about everything that students, families and staff have known about our school day. I am encouraged by the resilience of our community to work together, be patient, and flexible as things continue to change. Someday, we will look back on this experience as stronger, wiser, more capable people.
What’s your role as a nurse in the middle school?
As a middle School nurse, I help take care of the day to day physical needs of our students, administer medications, provide education, sometimes lend a listening ear, and help get our students ready for school sports. I collaborate with families, building staff and teachers, to help ensure the safest learning environment for our students.
What important items should parents know regarding COVID-19 in today’s schools?
RCS staff is working hard every day to keep our school environment clean and safe for learning. We are here for you if you have questions, just reach out. The Albany County Dept. of Health is a great resource for the most current local guidance regarding COVID-19, and you can check the RCS reentry home page as well.
At the end of the day, what enables you to be proud of the support you provide at RCS?
Together, we make a strong team. It makes me proud to work alongside such dynamic people, who really care about our students and our community.
Any additional health information you would like to provide district families?
If spring sports are approved, you will need a current physical, most medical providers are seeing patients, but you may need to plan ahead for an appointment. The State of New York is also still requiring physical exams for grades Pre- K,K, 1,3,5,7,9 & 11. Please reach out to a nurse in your child's building if you have any questions.