Page 144 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2016

caregiver
NURSE OF THE YEAR
Gulfport school nurse Stacey Waldrop wins the title
Tstory by Lisa Kröger photos by Teddy Lewis
he Mississippi School Nurse Association chose Gulfport School District’s Stacey Waldrop as School Nurse of the Year for 2016. She is the school nurse at 28th Street Elementary School.
“I was honored for something school nurses do every day. I am nothing extraordinary,” said Waldrop. “It really and truly takes a team.”
Originally from Alabama, Waldrop has been in Gulfport for over two decades. She first attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Two children later, she went to the University of South Alabama before graduating in May 2016 from William Carey with a Master of Science degree. “I’m a lifelong learner,” she said with
a laugh. “I love school nursing. It’s my calling, my passion. The opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life every day is a gift.”
School nurses are more than just Band-Aid wielders. They oversee medication administration, especially with chronic illnesses such as asthma. Those students may have difficulty attending school, but school nurses can make it easier. “We
are sometimes the primary health resource for our students, especially in lower socio-economic areas that may not have access to healthcare. The parents will often encourage the students to see the school nurse first.” She will sometimes help the
parents find a doctor or even apply for medical assistance, if needed.
“I can make sure the students are safe, that their health care needs are met,” explained Waldrop. “A healthy child in a safe environment is going to learn
better.”
To facilitate that goal, Waldrop works as the school health coordinator,
where she develops policies that address the health and well-being of the whole child. She also collaborates with Trinity United Methodist Church to
make “Backpack Blessings,” which provides non-perishable food items for students who may not have access to substantial nutrition at home.
Waldrop has been involved in teaching students the importance of healthy habits, such as a nutritious breakfast and dental health. “We try to get our
students to value their health,” she said. “I want to make a lifelong impact on their health so it will hopefully continue on in the future to our community.” Despite all her hard work, Waldrop remains humble: “This is my way of
impacting the world around me. One child at a time.”
NURSE OF THE YEAR Stacey Waldrop administers medical aid to a student.
144 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • June 2016
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