Today, we’re turning the spotlight on two school nurses serving very different communities. Kimara Leveille, BSN, RN, is offering mental health and self care tips for new nurses; and sharing her thoughts on nursing stereotypes. Ted Rossini, BSN, RN, PHN, NREMT, works with residential schools in Oakland, CA, to treat their students. He’s talking about finding an identity outside of the term “nurse” and coping with hardships #inthefield.

Kimara Leveille, BSN, RN

• True or False: Nurses eat their young.

Both. I've always heard this saying and it started right in nursing school. This phrase needs to be done away with. As nurses we are stronger together. As a nurse, your job can be done independently but more often than not you will need a helping hand especially in bedside nursing which is why it is vital for nurses to work together. Fortunately throughout my nursing career, I have been blessed to work with  extraordinary nurses right from the start. One nurse in particular,  Nurse Judy, may she rest in peace, took me under her wings as a young nurse teaching me the tricks of the trade. She led by example through her caring nature and love of people.

• What is your specialty and where are you based?

My current specialty is Management/School Nursing. I am based in New York, NY.

• Any self care or mental health tips for new nurses.

"You cannot pour from an empty cup" -Norm Kelly. Take the time to take care of yourself first in order to provide quality care to those we serve. Your patients will note the difference but more importantly it will make a world of difference in the quality of  your life.

• What's one must-have that gets you through the tough days?

My must have is the one who is there for me when there is no other. God helps me to weather any storm or challenge thrown my way.

Ted Rossini, BSN, RN, PHN, NREMT

• What is your specialty and where are you based?

I work with the Deaf and Blind communities in a clinic for two residential schools.

• True or False: Nurses eat their young.

It's complicated. Some do, but we shouldn't.

• Any self care or mental health tips for new nurses?

Find the right therapist for you. Have friends and hobbies that have nothing to do with healthcare. Get a good handle of what activities help you power up and which help you wind down.

• Is there anything you'd like to talk about that we didn't include in our questions?

It's important to not be a nurse. You are more than a nurse. The noun "nurse" destroys people and takes away our humanity. The verb nurse is our super power it is what we do. Be a human, be a citizen, be a partner, be a friend, be a coworker, be a caretaker, be a parent, be a child, be a learner, and a teacher. You are so much more than a nurse.