School Nurse Spotlight: Lynne Henry
Chattanooga, TN- At East Hamilton High School (EHHS), the nurse's office is more than a place for medical care. Thanks to Nurse Lynne Henry, it's also a place of comfort and connection.
Henry has been with EHHS since 2014, after three years at Wolftever Elementary. With 14 years as a school nurse in Hamilton County and a 27-year background working for a family practitioner, her dedication runs deep. Henry's interest in working with and helping students and being close to her then school-age son inspired her to apply for a school nurse position with Hamilton County Schools.
Daily, Henry manages complex care—feeding six different students with feeding tubes, administering medications, and supporting nine diabetic students. She notes that outside of her daily tasks, she also enjoys building relationships with the students: "We're medical, that's true. But sometimes the students just need somebody." Miranda Buchanan, a PRN school nurse who works next to Henry, shares this sentiment. Buchanan enjoys getting to know the students, "We also get to be support. We find out if they are feeling bad or if something may be going on at home."
Students appreciate Henry and Buchanan's welcoming nature. Junior Mallory Szaflarski shared, "I enjoy spending time with them. They're easy to talk to and nice people." Junior Eli Stallings said, "The atmosphere is very joyful and jolly." "Nurse Miranda was a good addition," he added. Even 2016 EHHS graduate Remington Whittenburg recalls memories of his visits to Henry, "Getting to see Nurse Lynne was always my favorite part of the day. We all loved her."
Henry recalls several powerful moments from her career. One was in her first year at EHHS when a student collapsed in the gym and went into a seizure-like state. An AED and CPR were used to help the student then Henry was able to help arrange further treatment.
"They have someone they can truly trust," Buchanan said.
"I vouch for that," Szaflarski added.
To Nurse Lynne, and Nurse Miranda, thank you for your compassion, care, and the countless ways you have helped make East Hamilton a better, safer place.