The Board of Education in Greenwich, CT quietly passed a budget earlier this year which included cutting the full-time position of School Nurse Supervisor down to part-time. This would have far reaching negative consequences that may take a while to be seen, but none-the-less will slowly chip away at the quality of a department dedicated to optimizing the health and safety of our student population. The current supervisor sets a high professional standard, and the nurses working under her have great respect and work hard to meet her standards. Substitute nurses are able to safely step into another nurse’s caseload because of the supervisor competency and diligence. The Superintendent of Schools has oversimplified the position if he thinks that the work is done once all the schools are staffed for the day and the “fires put out”. There is much more to be done throughout the day. The supervisor stays up-to-date on state and federal health requirements, educates her staff about them, and puts measures in place to ensure that the standards are met. She updates her staff on immunization and infection control requirements. She implements procedures to ensure that medications are stored and given in a safe manner. She provides educational opportunities to develop and challenge the staff so that we are better equipped to care for our pupils. Just a word about the children’s health needs in town, because some may think a school nurse just deals with bandaids, runny noses, and tummy aches. We have many diabetic children requiring frequent intervention so that their blood sugar levels do not reach dangerous highs or lows. We have children with seizure disorders who may need emergency medication that only a nurse can administer. We have tube feedings and other skilled procedures that need to be done every day; and thus, schools that just cannot go without nursing coverage. As a substitute nurse, I know that I can call upon my supervisor for any problem I may have throughout the day. She will come to my aid if needed. She is supportive and skilled, a diplomat with difficult parents who may not agree with my recommendations. She knows each school’s unique population and places nurses that are capable and comfortable with the tasks at hand. I need her in order feel assured that my assignment is safe and that my license is not at risk by placing me in an unknown situation. I am not sure I would substitute if I did not have a skilled supervisor available throughout the day. I urge the BOE and the Superintendent to reconsider cutting the school nurse supervisor position’s hours. It is a short-sighted move that could end up costing much more than it saves.