Beth Mattey
Outstanding School Nurse of the Year
By Nicole Squittiere
nsquiftiere@communitypub.com
Reprinted with permission from Brandywine Community News
www.communitypub.com
Q. How do you feel about winning 2009 Outstanding School Nurse of the Year Award?
A. When I examine my career in school, nursing what resonates to me is my commitment to children and the practice' of school nursing, not that I am doing anything outstanding, I find myself asking the questions, "What could I do better?" or ''How can this be better?" I feel I have been so fortunate to have had a career where I can make a difference every day. We are given a window into the life of a child and we must use our influence with wisdom and expert care.
Q. What is your single biggest day-to-day challenge?
A. There are many and I will give you a few examples. Many times it is difficult to get the health services our students need. Families are facing tough times now. A family income can only stretch so far, and many families make too much money to qualify for health and social services. Preventive health is so important for good long-term health and we try to get the services children need to stay healthy. For example, consider the case-of a student who has asthma. Asthma can be controlled and acute episodes can be minimized by proper medication. If a student cannot get to the health care provider to get the proper medication, he or she is likely to end up in the emergency room in a crisis. This ultimately will cost more money, a child will lose valuable school time and the asthma, while treated in an emergency, remains uncontrolled until the next emergency room visit. Or think about the single parent who works at an hourly wage job. She makes too much money to qualify for the Children's Health Insurance Program, and although she may have health insurance for herself through her job, she may not have it for her children: If she has a sick child, she has to leave her hourly wage job; not get paid, hence earning less money. It is a vicious circle which puts our families and children at risk. We also need to address our teen pregnancy rate. We need to get the message to our teens about healthy sexuality and pregnancy prevention. We are seeing far too many teen pregnancies, not just in Delaware, but across the nation.
Q. What is your secret to happiness/success?
A. My father is the most optimistic person I know: I learned from him that life is what you make of it, so I have tried to take that attitude throughout my life, I enjoy being a school nurse and find that kids continually give me energy as well as entertainment. I feel I am very fortunate to work at a job I enjoy. I like the saying, "Love what you do and do what you love." I think that describes my career as a school nurse. My family has also been supportive as I have pursued activities which have extended my school nurse role. Often, this turns into long hours away from home! However, my husband listens to my stories and encourages me along the way.
Q. Where do you see yourself in five years?
A. I see myself in Rome enjoying all that Italy has to offer. You will probably see me at Mt. Pleasant High School in the school nurse's office.
Q. Briefly describe a pivotal moment in your career.
A. After receiving my master's degree, my professor, Dr. Janice Selekman, encouraged me to publish in professional journals. Her support and encouragement was really the catalyst to move my professional career into a broader arena. I have been involved with the National Association of School Nurses, which has allowed me to share the role of the school nurse at a national level.
About Beth Mattey
FAMILY MEMBERS:
Jack, husband; daughter, Janna and her husband, Jorge Ruiz; grandchildren, Laura Ruiz and Jorge Ruiz; daughters, Gail Diliberto and Laura Mattey.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN YOUR POSITION:
9 1/2 years at Mt. Pleasant High School
OTHER PLACES YOU HAVE WORKED:
13 years at Mt. Pleasant Elementary and 9 years at Marietta Memorial Hospital, Marietta, Ohio
HIGH SCHOOL:
Brandywine High School
COLLEGE:
University of Delaware, Bachelor of Science in nursing, 1977.
OTHER SCHOOLING & DEGREES EARNED:
University of Delaware, Master of Science in Nursing, 1994
BOOK YOU RECOMMEND:
“Dreams of My Father" -Barack Obama