May 20, 2011
Congratulations to Brenda G. Jones, RN, the school nurse at Stetson Hills in Phoenix and the 2011 Deer Valley School Nurse of the Year.
Brenda G. Jones, RN, (right) is the 2011 School Nurse of the Year for the Deer Valley Unified School District. Shown with Kathy Northrop, RN, BSN, clinical director of pediatrics at John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital (left) and Mendy from Mendy's Place, 27/4 pediatric emergency care center at Deer Valley Hospital.
The award, now in its eighth year, acknowledges excellence in school nursing practice and leadership in school health.
Nurses from the Deer Valley Unified School District are nominated for the award, and the Deer Valley Education Foundation and John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital select the recipient.
"Nurse Brenda is caring, compassionate and professional and exemplifies how school nurses make a difference in the lives of children and their families every day," said Kathy Northrop, RN, BSN, clinical director of pediatrics at John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital.
She logs more than 3,500 office visits each year, from children who need a Band-Aid and pat on the head to children who need daily attention for chronic medical issues.
She followed in her mother's footsteps to become a nurse. She served as a nurse in the Air Force and then at hospitals. She took time off to raise her son, then returned to nursing as a volunteer nurse and a substitute school nurse. She joined Stetson Hills four years ago.
"I have been overwhelmed with what's happened," she said. "I love the children and especially in kindergarten and first grade, I'm their mommy away from home because I fix boo-boos. But I also see a lot more complex medical cases with our children with diabetes, asthma and other special needs."
Brenda was surprised with a school visit on May 6 with Mendy, the spokesdog for Mendy's Place.
On May 10, she was recognized at Deer Valley Unified School District Board Meeting.
"School nurses have a very special role on our school campuses, and we appreciate John C. Lincoln for giving us the opportunity to honor these wonderful caretakers of the health of our students," said Marie G. Brennan, executive director of the Deer Valley Education Foundation.
Jones received a check for $500, and the school received a check for $150, from John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital.
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