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Salute to Nursing... Salute to Nursing... Salute to Nursing... Salute to Nursing... Salute to
SCHOOL NURSES, HEALTH CARE JOE DIMAGGIO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
DISTRICT OF PALM BEACH COUNTY
Roberta Hammond, RN, BSN, NCSN Courtney Trace, RN, BSN,
CPHON
Roberta Hammond, R.N., B.S.N., NCSN, became a School Health
Nursing Supervisor with the Health Care District of Palm Beach She didn’t know it at the time, but an ill-
County fifteen years ago after working as a school nurse in other pro- ness in college would forever change the
grams for several years. Roberta, who is a Nationally Certified School course of Courtney Trace’s life. It also
Nurse, can be found in one of her 18 public schools located across turned out to be a blessing for the pediatric
Boca Raton, advocating for the students and school nurses who pro- oncology patients she now cares for at Joe
vide their care. Getting to know the families and students in her DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
schools who have serious, chronic health conditions is important to Trace aspired to be a television news
Roberta as she supports their health care needs provided in an edu- anchor prior to getting sick, but was
cational setting. School administrators know Roberta as their ally in inspired to shift her focus to nursing by the
the quest to keep the students safe and healthy during the school day. quality of care she received during her con-
Her determination to get the tasks at hand done correctly, as soon as valescence.
possible, and her genuine sense of caring make her the right person “The strength and depth of the bonds that are formed with kids, fami-
for her job! lies, and staff members is what’s so rewarding about this career. I can’t
imagine doing anything else,” said the University of Florida graduate.
Laureen Mitchell, RN, MSN, NCSN In addition to caring for patients with cancer, Trace is a nurse clinician
at the children’s hospital that works with new staff members. Some of the
onboarding process is task-oriented – orientation, scheduling, floor
When she graduated from nursing school, Laureen Mitchell, R.N.,
M.S.N., NCSN, knew she wanted to be a school nurse. After realizing assignments – but Trace also focuses on helping young professionals
that she first needed some solid nursing experience, she started her overcome fears or doubts and grow emotionally. “There is a light under-
career in New York before moving to Florida in 1993. Laureen neath everyone,” said the four-year veteran of the Memorial Healthcare
worked as a Nationally Certified School Nurse with the Health Care System. “We’re all challenged to learn and given room to grow. Our
District of Palm Beach County from 1997 until 2012 when she tran- accomplishments are recognized, highlighted, and encouraged.”
sitioned into the position of Nurse Specialist as the School Health While acknowledgment from superiors is always appreciated, Trace
Nursing Educator. More recently, Laureen earned a Master of knows the most important feedback she receives is from the children she
Nursing from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. She cares for. Properly accessing ports, knowing what medications are most
has successfully fine-tuned this role into one of immeasurable value. tolerable, and singing favorite songs can be the difference between a
She works closely with administrators, supervisors, and other nurs- happy, compliant patient and one who is miserable. Sometimes it can be
ing specialists on the scheduling and delivery of orientation to new knowing whether they prefer Jolly Ranchers or Starburst.
staff, biannual continuing nursing education planning, coordination of local universities’ clinical “When a parent says, ‘I’m so glad you’re here’ and you can hear the
rotations for nursing students, and web page development, to mention just a few of her talents! relief in their voice, I know I’m making a difference for that patient and
family.”
South Florida Hospital News southfloridahospitalnews.com May 2017 39
