Frontline Nursing
Presented by the Florida Center for Nursing, Frontline Nursing is a podcast that recognizes the impact nurses have on our lives and our communities. Throughout the series, FCN Executive Director, Rayna Letourneau, PhD, RN, will talk with those on the frontlines of health care to hear about the issues impacting the nursing workforce, insights from their personal journeys, and what inspires them.
Frontline Nursing
School Nursing—Not Just Boo-Boos & Band-aids: Jackie Silvers, RN
In this episode, Jackie Silvers, RN, dives deep into the realities of school nursing, a much more dramatic line of work than it may seem. She discusses her role as the go-to health expert in the school, the importance of hope, and the “truth” of tummy aches.
Before relocating to Florida five years ago, Jackie’s nursing career spanned nearly two decades of practice in both acute and public health settings. With a strong cardiac background in critical care, she was provided the opportunity to work in a diverse multifaceted office, which included nuclear stress testing, endoscopy theater, and clinical evaluation of double-blind pharmacological studies. Working with a pediatrician provided her with the experience that prompted her school nursing career.
As a school nurse Jackie’s practice has spanned multiple states and diverse educational settings. She has dedicated the last fifteen years to promoting the health and well-being of school-aged children, providing care and support to school communities in both the private and public settings. Throughout her career, she has navigated various challenges— from gang violence to the Covid-19 pandemic—with resilience and determination. Her focus has always been a deep commitment to health equity and fostering a positive environment for learning. Her passion for nursing drives her to empower students to lead healthy lives and achieve their fullest potential.
After graduating in 1989 from Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, NY, with an Associate Degree in Applied Nursing Science, she currently holds a multistate license. She has completed several certifications: ACLS, PALS, CCU, BLS, and, more recently, CMHFA. She currently practices at Carrollwood Day School in Tampa.
Links
National Association of School Nurses (NASN)