Sion’s uniqueness is highlighted by grey uniform skirts, water main break announcements, white graduation gowns, the absence of boys and the absence of… an in-house nurse. Sion is also unique in that high school students are allowed to bring their own prescribed medication to school when necessary.

According to Mary Sellmeyer, front office manager, one reason Sion does not have an on-site nurse at the high school is due to the financial requirements of the school. The salary paid to most candidates is over $50,000 a year.  However, Sion does employ a nurse, Amy George R.N., who is based at the Locust campus and comes to the high school periodically to review students’ medical files.  She is always available to the high school when the need arises.

Therefore, George, the nurse at Sion’s Locust campus, is our school nurse, too.

“I consider myself to be the school nurse for both campuses just as I consider Sion to be one school. Yes, it is true that I am mostly at the lower school to administer to daily needs of the students and faculty. But I am behind the scenes always, within a phone call or an email from Mrs. Sellmeyer, Mrs. Olson and/or Mrs. Munninghoff,” George said.  “I am consulted often for health issues as they pertain to all students of Sion. I also keep the faculty and coaches up to date on emergency plans and [help with] in-services, such as CPR and other first aid needs.”

Sellmeyer said that when health problems arise, they are taken seriously by the faculty and staff.

“We definitely err on the side of caution.  If we feel that the student needs urgent medical attention, we will make sure [she gets] to the hospital which is only minutes away.  Sometimes Mrs. Olson will drive girls over to the hospital or, in an emergency, we will of course call an ambulance.  Even without a nurse here, we are well equipped to handle medical problems,” Sellmeyer said.

Even though school personnel can help during a medical crisis, they can’t give you a cough drop. Because the school cannot give students medication, according to the parent handbook, students are allowed to bring cough drops or aspirin themselves.  Students are also allowed to spend an hour in the sick room, then decide if they would like to go back to class or leave school.

“Having a school nurse would be nice, so you’d have somewhere to go when you get sick. It’s not like the most important thing, but it would be good,” freshman Maria Nicolosi said.

Sion also employs the services of a chiropractor, Dr. Kyle Jensen.  According to Athletic Director Reynold Middleton, Jensen comes once a week to check on the athletes.  He’s also at every home sporting event.

Although most public schools employ a full-time nurse, some private schools, such as Rockhurst and St. Teresa’s Academy, do not.

Jean Pryor, Assistant to the Dean at Rockhurst High School, said, “There aren’t really enough emergencies here to warrant a full-time nurse; it’s just not been deemed necessary.”

According to George, her job includes more than just emergencies.  She believes one of the most important duties of an on-site nurse is the comfort and respite a nurse can offer to an ill or even emotionally upset student.  But, she said, Sion is prepared for whatever happens.

“Emergency action plans are in place at both our locations, and we are within minutes of emergency medical services,” George said.