GOOSE LAKE —
School nurses do a lot more than bandage cuts and bruises and Northeast Nurse Barb Randolph is living proof.
Randolph was selected as the 2013 Iowa School Nurse of the Year by the Iowa School Nurse Organization for her willingness to go above and beyond simple tasks, providing exceptional caring service to each and every Northeast student for the past 32 years.
“We could not run this school district without the help she provides,” Superintendent Jim Cox said. “We could not operate without a nurse of her quality.”
With vast years of experience at the district, Randolph has been able to treat the second generation of many families in the area. She said she enjoys working closely with the families of students that have special needs, from peanut allergies to epilepsy. Her duties also include student health plans, Medicaid reimbursement claims, immunization records, drug testing, medication administration and employee health files.
After being nominated for the award last year and missing the cut, Randolph was determined to try again. The application requires a lengthy explanation of how the nurse applies standards of practice and professional performance. Randolph had no problem gathering nomination letters, with overwhelming support from principals, teachers and parents.
“Being a rural district, she is often the first level of healthcare that some of these kids get,” Elementary Principal Diane Schumacher said. “No matter what time of the day or how busy she is, no matter if it is in the middle of her lunch or in the middle of a crisis, whenever a student asks for help, Barb drops what she is doing and provides immediate assistance.”
In addition to daily duties, Randolph is constantly educating herself on the latest trends and changes in healthcare. She is at the forefront of many state initiatives including the Healthy Kids Act and a new project examining body mass index. She also provides dental screenings, flu shots and vision testing. In all the different things she does, Randolph has one solid goal.
“I just want to give the kids the best possible care in school to allow them to remain in school and get the best learning opportunities possible,” Randolph said.
Randolph will be honored at the ISNO Annual School Nurse Conference in Ames on April 18-19. She will also be recognized with an Excellence in School Nursing Award at the 2013 National Association of School Nurses Annual Conference in Orlando, Fla., from June 27-30. Despite the significant award, Randolph still considers herself nothing extraordinary.
“I am just a regular school nurse like everyone else,” Randolph said. “I do the best job I can do.”
While Randolph may be humble, the district cannot stop singing her praises and will be hosting a local reception for her on National School Nurse Day, May 8, to celebrate this achievement.
“I could not ask for more in a school nurse than what I have been privileged to witness in Barb Randolph,” Schumacher said. “Her generosity of spirit is truly a gift that has enhanced our school district and provided needed care to all of our students and staff.”
Features
Related Photos
-
Northeast Nurse Barb Randolph shows Leah Mangelsen and Bree Mangelsen how to properly wash their hands Thursday at Northeast Elementary School. Natalie Conrad/Clinton Herald
Discussion
February 25, 2013
Northeast nurse receives top state award
- Features
-
-
Waterlogged: Covering the stadium bills recommended
CLINTON — The city of Clinton is considering covering more than $10,000 in bills relating to water damage at Ashford University Field.
- Some not wild about hogs CLINTON -- No decision has been made on a proposal for a hog confinement operation in rural Clinton County. This facility would be located approximately 7 miles southeast of Elwood and 5 to 6 miles northwest of Welton. The Clinton County Board of Sup
-
Captain, crew thankful for Clinton's hospitality
CLINTON -- After a fun-filled weekend, the Nina and Pinta have packed up and shipped out to their next location on the Mississippi River. Clinton residents welcomed the ships with warm hospitality Thursday and made the crew feel right at home through
-
Bluegrass festival launches more plans
The first Bluegrass Festival commenced Saturday and the city of Fulton saw a successful turnout.
-
MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: John LeComte
John LeComte does not consider himself a history scholar.
-
Church leadership passes from father to son Sunday
Forty-four years after he arrived in Clinton to revive a failing church, Pastor Jim Machen Sr. will pass the senior pastor role at the Church of the Open Door to his son, Jim Machen Jr., tomorrow on Father's Day.
-
Clinton moves toward banning tobacco at city-sponsored youth events (With video)
Deciding that its action actually will underscore state law, the Clinton City Council has taken a step toward banning tobacco at city-sponsored youth events.
-
How does your garden grow?
McCAUSLAND -- A new hydroponics garden project is happening at Lost Grove Lake near McCausland. Project organizer Dr. Charles Theiling, and his team of students and interns from the Upper Mississippi River Center, is attempting to grow crops and nat
-
Pinta and Nina to arrive in Clinton Thursday
The ‘Pinta’ and the ‘Nina,’ replicas of Christopher Columbus’ ships, have successfully continued their journey upstream on the Mississippi River.
- Putting a Roof Over Their Heads CLINTON -- Thankful for the community spirit around them, James and Roberta Jess are grateful to the 20 people who recently helped put a roof on their home at 3106 Roosevelt St. That assistance is very appreciated as 11 years ago, James was diagnosed
- More Features Headlines
-
