In recognition of National Nurses Week May 6-12, the 17 school nurses who serve all 22,500 students in the Pitt County Schools share advice for moms.

School nursing is a specialized practice of nursing that advances the well-being, academic success and lifelong achievement of students. All the county's school nurses are either nationally certified in the specialty of School Nursing or are working toward that certification.

"Teens will respect your integrity and honesty, especially when you own up to your mistakes. Sharing some of your own vulnerabilities, fears and failures will go a long way with your teen. And remember, all teens will fall from grace at some point — just be there to help pick them back up."

— Kay Regnier, RN, NCSN

South Central High, Early College High School

"Childhood obesity and diabetes are two issues the school nurse deals with daily. We work with children to teach them how to make healthy food choices by showing them how to read nutrition labels on packaging. At some point they will say, "But we like to eat out." The Web site www.dietfacts.com provides nutritional information for restaurants and brand-name foods. Students learn by looking up their favorite restaurant meals, comparing foods and looking for ways to make healthier food choices."

— Regina Wyatt, RN, NCSN

H.B. Sugg, Sam Bundy and Ridgewood

"Preparing for kindergarten can be a daunting task. Where can I get a Kindergarten Health Assessment? What are the immunization requirements for school entry? Your school nurses are here to help. Being prepared early can help prevent the crunch in late summer and fall. Feel free to contact us for information and resources."

— Terri Joyner, RN, NCSN

Wahl-Coates, Chicod, Third Street Pre-K

"Although out teenagers frequently act as if they don't want their parents around, they really do still need us! A quote I found at www.MVParents.com says, "Having parents involved in school makes a big difference — all the way through high school. Yet involvement falls from 49 percent of parents in grade 6 to 17 percent of parents in grade 12."

— Rex Anne Davis, RN, NCSN

D.H. Conley, Alpha, Gateway

"If a child has a chronic health condition or disability that may affect performance in the classroom and/or general well-being during the school day, communicating with the school nurse as well as the teacher may be helpful to the child. If the child's doctor recommends changes in the medical treatment during the year, notifying the nurse of the changes will ensure that the most up-to-date plan of care is in place at school."

— Cindy Ferry, RN

Bethel, Wellcome Middle, Pactolus

"As a school nurse, it is easy to be overwhelmed with the multiple issues our students sometimes deal with ... issues beyond health-care needs, issues we can't put a Band-aid on and make go away. It is these times that I remember a quote from Mother Teresa, who must surely have felt overwhelmed at times: 'There are no great things, only small things with great love.'"

— Teri Mooney, RN

Grifton, Whitfield

"Keeping your child home from school when he or she is sick will help prevent the spread of germs and illnesses to their classmates and teachers. It would be beneficial to keep your child home if he has had any of the following in the past 24 hours: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, severe cough, trouble breathing or an unidentified rash that is spreading. For more detailed information and advice on this topic, see the Web site www.parenthood.com."

— Celeste Baisey, RN

Falkland, South Greenville, Belvoir

"Children and adolescents with diabetes face the challenge of wanting to fit in with their peers while still managing their diabetes. There will be many times when a child will feel different, and he may become rebellious. Children with diabetes should be treated like any other children at school and should be allowed to participate in all activities, even class parties."

— Susan Holliday, MSN, RNBC

Eastern, North Pitt High

"A stomachache, a headache, whatever the complaint ... it's the job of the school nurse to discover the link. School nurses often put together small pieces of the puzzle to find the bigger picture of what is really bothering our students, whether physical, emotional or psychological."

— Lesha Rouse, RN, NCSN

Rose High

"Do you have a Band-aid? I hear this question every day. After checking the injury, I send the student to the bathroom to wash the area with soap and water. While putting the Band-aid in place, I take the opportunity to educate the student on infection prevention as well as accident prevention. Basic first aid is so simple: Clean the injured area with soap and water and cover, if needed, to prevent infection. If redness or tenderness occurs, a doctor's visit may be needed."

— Gloria Rose, RN, NCSN

Robinson, Creekside

"Parents, never underestimate the importance of talking to your children. Help them to understand that there are people in their school who they may talk to, who are willing to help them. I have had adults tell me that they would not have made it without the librarian/nurse/math teacher/counselor or whomever it was that connected with them when they were a student. Kids today need to know that there are adults out there who care about them."

— Susan Gibson, RN, NCSN

Eppes Middle, Aycock Middle, Ayden Middle

"I am always reminding students the importance of eating breakfast every day. One day I was talking to a class of second graders. I used the analogy that not eating breakfast was like not putting gas in your car: If the car has no gas, it can't go anywhere. I encouraged them to eat something every morning so that they would have plenty of energy — or 'gas,' to make it through the school day. One little boy raised his hand and said, 'My mom says I have lots of gas!' Eating breakfast is associated with being more productive and efficient in the morning. It leads to improved concentration, problem-solving abilities, strength and endurance. For some great traditional and not-so-traditional breakfast ideas, go to www.kidshealth.org and check out the "healthy eating" section."

— Laurie Reed, RN

Wintergreen Primary, Wintergreen Intermediate

"When counseling teens, I often hear how much they miss their parents. Sometimes as adults, we become so caught up in our own lives we don't hear the things are our teenagers are saying. Take the time to talk with them. Show them you are interested in hearing what they have to say. They will appreciate you for it."

— Shelly Merrill, RN, NCSN

A.G. Cox Middle, Ayden Elementary

"High school nurses have the distinct advantage of touching their students' lives by providing them with validation of their feelings and opportunities to learn to trust in themselves. One-on-one counseling with students is a worthwhile and rewarding part of my job."

— Sue Roebuck, RN, NCSN

Farmville Central High, Ayden-Grifton High

"Stress is inevitable in today's world — for kids as well as moms. It's how you handle it that makes all the difference. Be a role model for your children in handling your own stress in a healthy way. If your children see you talking to others about problems, taking time to relax and living a healthy lifestyle, your example is likely to rub off. If your children's stress is related to a particular issue, tell a story about how you once felt in a similar situation and what you did to cope. Hugs and back rubs can be a powerful stress reliever, and remind your child how much you care."

— Charla Holbrook, RN, NCSN

Program coordinator

"School nurses identify students who have life-threatening allergies to nuts, bees and other things. We then work with parents and staff to ensure that an emergency plan of action and prescribed emergency medications are readily available during the school day. Just the other day, a first-grader said that he had a 'really bad allergy.' I checked but didn't have any allergies listed for him. Then he said he was allergic to GIRLS and couldn't sit beside them, ever!"

— Annie Lee, RN

Elmhurst, Northwest, Stokes

"School nurses spend time counseling and educating the school population on disease-prevention measures. One of the best (and simplest) ways to prevent disease transmission is through hand washing. By washing your hands after using the toilet, before eating and when hands are obviously dirty, you can reduce the incidence of colds, flu, ringworm and other common health conditions. As Scrubby Bear from the American Red Cross says, 'Don't get sick, wash up quick.'"

— Betsy Gidley, RN, NCSN

Sadie Saulter, Hope Middle, Farmville Middle