I was determined to finish school and set a good example for my children. Along the way, I learned how important it is to have a strong support system to help manage the challenges that can come with cystic fibrosis while I pursue my dreams.
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About a year and a half ago, I started preparing for three students with cystic fibrosis at the school where I work as a school nurse. Here's an update on how things have been going.
When there is more than one person with CF in your school, it is essential that they be kept a minimum of 6 feet (2 meters) apart from each other. Germs can spread as far as 6 feet through droplets released in the air when people cough or sneeze.
Last August, I watched all of my friends head off to school and all of a sudden I was the only one left still living at home. I hadn't even graduated high school, but I was getting to experience the time-honored and popular British tradition of a taking a gap year.
The only thing that is certain in my life is the uncertainty of my teenage daughter's next hospital stay. Despite this, she has somehow managed to supervise her own academic life from a hospital room.
Sending our son to school was scary, but we have a plan to keep him healthy.
As a high school nurse responsible for 1,200 students — three of whom have cystic fibrosis — I'm finding this upcoming school year to be particularly challenging. Here is how I implemented a plan of action to keep each student safe while balancing their specific needs.
Preparing for the school year with cystic fibrosis involves careful planning and advocacy. Since my daughter, Desi, started school, I’ve learned about how to best prepare Desi, her teachers, and school administration to help ensure her education and health thrive.