A Day in the Life of a School LVN

Insights from Zasha Hernandez, LVN

At Backstage Health, we take immense pride in showcasing the incredible work of our healthcare professionals. Today, we’re highlighting Zasha Hernandez, LVN, who recently shared her experiences working as a School Licensed Vocational Nurse. Her reflections offer a unique glimpse into the rewarding and impactful world of school nursing.

A Typical Day as a School LVN

For Zasha, each day is filled with diverse responsibilities and meaningful interactions. Her primary focus is caring for a six-year-old student with diabetes, managing her insulin dosing twice during the day at 10 a.m. and 12 noon. Zasha’s role extends beyond this, as she splits her time between two schools, addressing falls, providing first aid, and triaging illnesses such as colds. However, the student with diabetes remained her main priority due to the child’s instability. “I was mainly with my diabetic student daily, ensuring her safety and well-being.”

The Rewards of Being a School LVN

Zasha found unexpected joy and fulfillment in her role, especially through the support and camaraderie of her colleagues. “The staff at the school district were incredibly welcoming. The secretary and principal made me feel like part of the team,” Zasha shares.

Initially hesitant to leave a full-time position for a contract role, she found working with children and achieving work-life balance immensely rewarding. Her decision to join the school environment has been life-changing: “I am very glad I did. I love being around children and now enjoy a better balance between work and life. Thank you, Backstage Health, for making this possible.”

Making a Difference in Students’ Lives

One of Zasha’s most memorable experiences involved her student with diabetes. Managing the student’s fluctuating blood sugar levels required close monitoring and collaboration with the child’s family. “Her diabetes was uncontrolled, and her sugar levels fluctuated due to missed meals or disliked school food,” Zasha recounts. She worked with the student’s mother to pack lunches and approached the principal for additional support in ensuring emergency snacks and sugars were available. Through persistence and learning, Zasha developed strategies to stabilize the student’s condition, such as incorporating steady, healthy carbs. “I’ve learned new tricks and will miss her dearly,” Zasha reflects.

Advice for Aspiring School LVNs

For those considering a career as a School LVN, Zasha offers heartfelt advice: “This is now my favorite part of nursing. I’ve worked in skilled nursing, clinics, home health, and hospice, but school nursing provides a respectful and professional environment.”

Zasha highlights the benefits of autonomy and the satisfaction of triaging less critical emergencies. “It’s a happy, stress-free workplace, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a fulfilling career in nursing.” Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that nursing can take many rewarding forms, each with its unique opportunities to make a difference.

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If you're inspired by Zasha's experience and are passionate about making a difference in students' lives, we invite you to apply to join our team at Backstage Health today!