School nurse Michele Jackson

How long have you been a Nurse?

I’ve been a nurse since 1995 and I started out at a hospital in Missouri. I stayed there for five years then decided to stay home with my kids. After a while of that, I got into subbing and did that for eight years and now I’m here.

What made you want to become a nurse?

I had a family member who pushed me towards it because of the many opportunities it offers.

Have you always been a school nurse?

No, I used to work on the surgery recovery floor at Research Medical Center in Missouri.

Where did you go to college?

Research College of Nursing in Missouri.

Did you always know you wanted to be a nurse?

No, but I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field.

Why did you choose high school rather than middle school or grade school?

I’d subbed here [at Mill Valley] and have had and have children here. The opportunity also fell into my lap and the schedule fit perfectly.

What were the hardest courses you had to take in college?

Probably Anatomy and Physiology. I had to take lots of science courses.

What made you choose Mill Valley?

I’m familiar with the school and district and my kids grew up here.

Where did you previously work?

I worked at Research Medical Center which is the school I graduated from and then I began subbing as a school nurse.

What advice would you give to students interested in becoming a nurse?

It can be very rewarding at times, but difficult at times. It’s worth it in the end. Also, the schooling is tough and I use my hands on and skills lab experience way more than the materials I learned in my college courses.

What do you love most about being a school nurse?

Being with the kids. They’re interesting and it’s fun. It is also way less stressful than working in a hospital.