At St. Joseph’s Indian School, our nurses and health support staff do so much more than treat colds and check temperatures. They are an essential part of our campus community, caring for students in ways that go beyond medicine. Whether offering a comforting presence when a child is not feeling well or ensuring every student gets the healthcare and wellness-related services they need, their dedication helps children focus on learning, playing and growing.
Today, on Nurse Appreciation Day, we want to take a moment to celebrate these incredible professionals and thank them for the difference they make every single day.
The first floor of St. Joseph’s Indian School’s health center, which was completed in 2017 thanks to tremendous donor support, houses three double and four single patient rooms. This means up to 10 students can receive care when illness prevents them from attending school. The nurses provide direct medical attention and coordinate appointments with doctors and other health providers when necessary. An essential partnership allows for a licensed medical provider to be available throughout the week, and a nurse is always on-call, ensuring every child’s health needs are met. Excluding something serious like an x-ray, St. Joseph’s nurses and contracted providers can see to all the Native American students’ healthcare needs.
Beyond treating illnesses, the nursing and health support staff plays a crucial role in preventative care, including regular check-ups and immunizations. The health and wellness staff also schedule routine and annual dental and eye care appointments through additional invaluable partnerships with local providers. Any time students need to see a specialist, it is coordinated through the Health Center!
For some students, arriving at St. Joseph’s means adjusting to a new environment while managing existing health conditions. The nurses, in collaboration with health and wellness support staff, provide medical expertise and emotional support, helping students feel safe and cared for. Their kindness and dedication creates a space where children can heal, grow, and thrive. This commitment to holistic health and wellness care reflects the school’s mission to educate and uplift Native American children – mind, body, heart, and spirit.
“The nurses, alongside the entire Health and Wellness Team, at St. Joseph’s Indian School play a vital role in supporting our students’ health and well-being,” said Jenna, St. Joseph’s Director of Health and Wellness. “Whether tending to an illness or injury, coordinating specialty services or simply offering a comforting presence, they are a cornerstone of our mission to serve and uplift every child. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a devoted team — allowing for kids to be just that, kids.”
On Nurse Appreciation Day, we honor the nurses and health and wellness support staff who work tirelessly to support the students of St. Joseph’s Indian School. Their compassion, skill, and unwavering dedication make a profound difference in the lives of the children they serve. Whether treating an illness, offering a reassuring smile, or advocating for a student’s health needs, these professionals embody the spirit of care and community.
To all the healthcare team at St. Joseph’s Indian School: philámayaye — thank you — for being the heartbeat of St. Joseph’s. Your work does not go unnoticed, and today, we celebrate you!
To learn more about the medical services at St. Joseph’s, visit stjo.org today!
