Erica Rollins has been a paediatric nurse for 17 years. For the past four years, she’s been serving the students and staff as the School Nurse at Creekside Elementary in Lewisville, Texas. Erica cares for 495 students
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Determined, helpful, independent.
What do you enjoy about being a School Nurse?
I enjoy the relationships that I am able to build with our students and families while supporting a healthy and safe learning environment.
What’s something about you that often surprises people?
I enjoy running Ragnar relay races. They are 200-mile races, run over 24+ hours with a team of six to 12 runners. I’d love to try a Ragnar trail race next.
If you could live in any Disney movie, which one would you choose and why?
“Finding Nemo”. There have been many times in my life where I have literally told myself or my friends to ‘just keep swimming’. Have you ever trained for or run a marathon? Your body can handle a lot more than you think. It’s your mind that you have to push. I like the don’t give up attitude most of the characters display.
What is one life lesson you have learned over the years?
It is in giving that we receive.
What is your favourite movie?
“Mary Poppins”
What is your favourite book?
“Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline. I’ve only read it once but it is on my summer re-read list.
What is your preferred social media platform?
I love to lurk on Instagram, but I never post.
What accomplishment brings you the most pride?
I’ve been on a mission team to very remote Guatemala three times. I was part of a medical and dental team that provided care to Mayans who otherwise have never received care. They were so deeply thankful for our help. It was the hardest, but most gratifying work that I’ve done.
What superpower would you want?
I’d love x-ray vision. It would benefit my practice every day.
What is something you’re afraid of?
Snakes! Their flicking tongues, evil eyes and slithering bodies freak me out! No feet, no fins, big problem!
What person in your life do you most admire?
Jennifer Todd, our school counselor, is amazing. She helps our students through so many crises with a patient and kind heart. Family deaths, divorce, anxiety and emotional outcries just to name a few.
What’s the first thing you notice about someone you meet for the first time?
Their shoes. When I was a drum major in high school I had to correct marching form. I watched a lot of feet and could name whose feet they were by their shoes. I guess you could say it’s a learned behavior.
What’s one cause that’s dear to your heart?
Hungry children break my heart. I always have extra snacks on hand for my students if they didn’t have breakfast or are just plain hungry. It’s usually not their fault that they didn’t eat at home. After they eat, they are ready to learn and they have more positive behaviors.
What do you hope to be remembered for?
Doing good. This quote from John Wesley hangs in my clinic: ‘Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.’
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Would you like to share a day in your life as a School Nurse?
How do you go about helping improve the health and wellbeing of students? What’s your biggest challenge? What support do you need to do a better job as a School Nurse?
At Student First Aid we recognise and celebrate the good work of School Nurses. Each month we interview a dedicated School Nurse.
If you’re interested, please email help@studentfirstaid.com.au to arrange a quick and easy phone interview.