Home News SHANNA WHITE NAMED NURSE OF THE YEAR

SHANNA WHITE NAMED NURSE OF THE YEAR

5/21/2021

Rice Creek Elementary School nurse Shanna White, RN, BSN, has been named 2020-2021 Richland Two School Nurse of the Year.

White knew from a young age that she wanted to be a nurse and jumped at the opportunity to work in a school setting.

“I went to a Children's Hospital in Georgia to sit with a sick child. At that moment, I knew I wanted to be a nurse and work with children,” she said. “I love taking care of children.”

In his nomination Rice Creek Principal Stacey Gadson highlighted White’s exceptional knowledge in the field of nursing and her drive to expand her knowledge through professional development. She is a certified CPR trainer and offers her services to district colleagues frequently through training programs.

The 2020-2021 school year has been unlike any other. Despite the challenges of COVID and contact tracing, White has remained a steadfast consultant to administration, confidant for faculty and staff with countless questions not only about protocols but vaccinations, illness and fears, but a calm force in the sea of unrest. Her relentless attention to detail and social distancing has helped to create as close to a level of staff, student, and parental comfort as possible.

Rice Creek’s faculty and staff also experienced unprecedented loss this year. White has always been one of the first to offer support to those who are grieving, providing solace and comfort.

During the district COVID-19 vaccine clinic this spring, White joined other school nurses providing her services and additional support to the district Health Services Coordinator.

White is a team player and active member of the Rice Creek family. She is frequently seen interacting with students throughout the building. She volunteers to speak and read to classes, participates in PE activities with students, and attends schoolwide and evening events with her family members even though her children are at different schools.

“There is an immeasurable amount of comfort for me knowing that my daughter is well cared for at school. With such great care, she is able to excel in her academics and thrive physically,” an anonymous parent writes in the nomination. “Nurse White plays a large role in our life and we are extremely grateful for her and RCE for having such a gem on their team.”