By Jolene Farley
Twenty-two-year nursing veteran Lois Leenderts thoroughly enjoys the job she has worked at for four years as Hills-Beaver Creek school nurse. She said variety is the best part of her job.
Leenderts is responsible for the medical care of students at both H-BC Elementary and High School.
She performs hearing, vision and scoliosis screenings on students. She administers vaccinations, passes out prescribed medications and takes care of students who become ill during the school day.
Leenderts also maintains health records on all students. She teaches a fifth grade unit on self-esteem, delicately handles puberty talks for the fourth, fifth and sixth grades and teaches a CPR class at the high school.
Her first day on the job was a learning experience, Leenderts recalls. She received no orientation and wasn't sure what she was getting into. After a few uncertain days, Leenderts said she began to love her job.
"The kids, kindergarten through 12, they all have so much to offer," she said. "Everybody is unique; everybody has their own special quality."
Leenderts' days are on a set schedule now, which is a different setting from Luverne Community Hospital where she occasionally works as an evening nurse.
"I pretty much know the plan of the day here, where at the hospital things can change in a minute," Leenderts said. She adds there are good points about both positions.
Asthma is one of the most serious health issues in schools today, according to Leenderts. "I'm not sure if it's getting worse or if we are more aware of the effects and how serious it is for them (students)."
Luckily, she's had only one serious asthma incident with a student.
Leederts finds the number of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder kids on medication fluctuates greatly. She said behavior modification techniques and setting limits helps kids progress, making it possible to wean them off medications for the disorder.
She stresses the school and parents must work together. "It is really helpful when they get that (structure) at home," she said.
Treating high school students is different from treating grade school students, Leenderts said. High school students are allowed to decide if they should call their parents and leave school or stay in school and "tough it out" when they are ill.
Leenderts thinks this helps prepare students for the workforce after they graduate. She said "real world" workers don't sit in the "sick bay." They stay at their jobs and work or they go home.
Leenderts offers the following advice to parents: "Take the time to listen to your children," she said. "The years go so fast. They have a lot of things to share, whether it's how they are feeling or what's going on in their lives. Listen, because that affects what goes on here."
Leenderts said she sees emotional issues manifested in physical symptoms in children. Students are trying to deal with concerns, and it might show up as a headache or a stomach ache.
She said she feels fortunate parents at Hill-Beaver Creek are involved and know what is going on with their children.
Leenderts and her husband, Arlen, have three children, Greg, 21, Tonya, 17, and Jessie, 13.