School Nurse (LPN) of the Year
Janet Washington, LPN
Janet Washington has worked as a nurse for 33 years and as a school nurse with the Charleston County School District for 12 years. In order to provide nursing coverage based on students’ needs across the district, Ms. Washington’s school nursing assignments have taken her to 9 different schools. On each assignment, she has quickly acclimated to the new environment, established a positive rapport with co-workers, students and their families, and earned their confidence through a caring approach and the provision of competent nursing services. Ms. Washington is described by the Director of Nursing Services for the Charleston School District as a flexible nurse with a positive attitude, excellent nursing skills and a friendly smile.
Ms. Washington’s assignments have varied from the provision of child-specific one-on-one services to being the only nurse on-site for an entire school population. In all cases, her clinical supervisors describe her services as exemplary. One principal noted that, “Janet works very well under pressure and maintains calmness in the buzzing school climate. Her ability to cooperate and collaborate with various members of any school makes all educational initiatives successful for students.”
As part of her school nursing practice, Ms. Washington has participated in PTA events, presented health information at staff meetings and parent education sessions offered after school, organized and led the Future Nurses Club at one of the schools she served, handled logistics for several school flu clinics for students, and assisted with student record management at several schools.
Where ever assignments take her, Ms. Washington is known for modeling and fostering a healthy learning and work environment. She looks for ways to reduce the spread of communicable diseases and to infuse healthy nutrition choices through opportunities like the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables program. To maintain a positive emotional environment, Ms. Washington uses her superior human relations skills to help people stay centered and grounded. She listens and then speaks kindly, softly, and respectfully. A former co-worker commented, “She has such a positive attitude, it is infectious. When I felt disgruntled or angry about some little thing, Janet was always able to put things in perspective. She is a model for everyone she works with in this regard.”
Janet Washington is a valued team member at the school and district level. She inspires others around her to be happy and accomplish more for the students and families they serve.