A 23-year resident of Harvard, Colleen Nigzus keeps a close watch on the well-being of 750 Harvard students—and she loves her job.

Colleen Nigzus (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)

Press: How long have you been a school nurse?

Nigzus: I started working as a school nurse full-time in September 2007. The year prior to that, I was a substitute school nurse here in Harvard.

Press: Where did you receive your training?

Nigzus: I graduated from Youville Hospital School of Nursing in Cambridge in 1984. I then worked and went to school nights for a few years. I went back to school full-time and received my bachelor's degree in nursing in 1994 from Fitchburg State College. I then went back to school and received my master's degree in Nursing Administration in 1995 from University of Massachusetts, Worcester. I've worked in many nursing fields: acute care, rehabilitation, case management, long-term care, and administration.

Press: What is the best part of your job?

Nigzus: I love my job. It's really hard for me to say what my favorite part is.

Press: How many school children are you responsible for?

Nigzus: I work full-time at the Bromfield School but oversee the district. There are about 750 students at Bromfield from grades 6 to 12 that I am directly responsible for.

Press: Do you have any staff to help you?

Nigzus: I am the only person working in the nurse's office at Bromfield. I do have a few registered nurses that will substitute for me when I need the day off.

Press: What is the most common ailment, injury or complaint? Is it different at elementary and high school levels?

Nigzus: I think it depends on the time of year. It greatly differs from elementary school to middle school to high school. The elementary school has several recess injuries daily, such as scrapes and bumps, whereas middle school and high school have more sports injuries. Illnesses also vary.

Press: What is the district policy on illness and being at school?

Nigzus: Students should stay home if sick with a fever of 100 degrees or greater; they may return when fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication. If they have vomiting or diarrhea they may return when they have been free from vomiting and diarrhea for 24 hours. If they have had a diagnosis of strep throat, they need to be fever-free and on antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to school.

Press: Is lice still an issue?

Nigzus: Lice will always be an issue in schools. At this point things are going well.

Press: Are there any bugs going around and what things should parents and students be on the lookout for?

Nigzus: We are seeing the typical things for this time of year like intestinal viruses, colds, and sore throats.

Press: Do you have a lot of children with unique or special medical needs?

Nigzus: We have several children at both schools that have special health care needs.

Press: What can parents do to help?

Nigzus: If their children have any medical changes, they should call the school nurse and let her know.

Press: What kinds of programs or in-services do you conduct?

Nigzus: At the beginning of the school year, I do mandatory training for both schools. This includes life-threatening allergies and Epi-pen training and blood-borne pathogen training. I also do the same training, as well as basic first aid, for the bus drivers before the school year starts.

Press: Do we conduct vision and or hearing screenings in Harvard schools?

Nigzus: Yes. Massachusetts mandates that school-age children have health screenings done in school. These include vision, hearing, growth, and spinal screenings.

Press: Do you get a lunch break?

Nigzus: Lunchtime at school is my busiest time. It is hard for me to take a lunch break. I usually take a few minutes before or after lunch to have something to eat but it's usually at my desk.

Press: What do you do in the summer?

Nigzus: I work several days throughout the summer preparing for the next school year. We also have a preschool program in July that requires a nurse to be present in the building. We are always looking for registered nurses to help out. Sometimes it's very difficult finding a nurse to cover.