MT. JULIET Nurse Jessica Clark Brings Passion to Lakeview Elementary

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Jessica Clark, a registered nurse from Old Hickory, Tennessee, has been the school nurse at Lakeview Elementary in Mt. Juliet for the past nine years. After working in pediatric hematology/oncology at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital for three years and then in the hospital's float pool for 10 years, Clark transitioned to school nursing to have a more flexible schedule that would allow her to be more involved in her children's lives. As the school nurse, Clark's daily duties include administering medications, caring for sick and injured students, and educating the school community on various health topics.

Why it matters

Clark's story highlights the important role school nurses play in supporting the health and wellbeing of students. By transitioning from a hospital setting to a school environment, Clark was able to find a career path that allowed her to balance her nursing expertise with her desire to be more present in her family's daily life. Her dedication to her students and community has earned her recognition, including being named Nurse of the Year in 2023-24.

The details

After earning her nursing degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Clark worked in the pediatric hematology/oncology floor at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital for three years. She then spent 10 years in the hospital's float pool before applying for the school nurse position at Lakeview Elementary, where her own children were students. As the school nurse, Clark's responsibilities include administering daily medications, providing emergency care for asthma and allergic reactions, managing tube feedings and diabetic students, and educating the school community on various health topics.

• Clark has been the school nurse at Lakeview Elementary for the past nine years.
• She was named Nurse of the Year in the 2023-24 school year.

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