I would like to “introduce” you more personally to a very calm and quiet “icon” of knowledge and commitment. Jan has served as the MESD liaison to the OSNA BOD for many years now. Below is her response when asked to share information so that I might post a “heralding and highlighting” for her. I left it in Jan’s own words as she is delightfully articulate. For those of you who may be new to school nursing. Jan served as NASN President a few years ago. She is a prolific author of literature related to school nursing and is one of the nicest women you would ever hope to meet!!! She is celebrating a special anniversary with her husband this summer with a Mediterranean Cruise. We are very thankful and incredibly blessed to have Jan as a colleague and mentor. Enjoy her story, Carol Zirkle
Long ago when I dreamed about being all grown up, my vision was to be a nurse.
Only once did I consider teaching. I knew I was on the right track when the summer
after high school graduation I worked as an aid at Dornbecker Hospital, 13A preschool
age youth.
I completed prenursing courses at Portland State University and started 1 year later
at what is now OHSU, then known as the University of Oregon, School of Nursing.
Pediatrics won my heart. I ended my last term of nursing school intrigued by working
in child psych but since Seattle required a year of experience I went the pathway of
going to St. Vincent's pediatrics. Being tired of nights and weekends, I was wooed to
a pediatrician's office relatively soon. After 6 years, we moved to the Tri Cities WA.
It was at a time when nursing jobs were hard to come by and I had a short episode in an
obstetrician's office. But it was soon back to pediatric hospital nursing for about 4 years.
As soon as we could return to Portland I was ready; tried home health briefly and then Shriners.
School nursing was enticing with young children at home and it has enticed me ever since. I
remember my first assignment of 16 schools. I've had several positions and am currently
coordinator of Health Services; all at MESD.
Rather than identify any projects of special interest, let me say that school nursing
continues to fascinate me. It affords great learning opportunities, stimulates creativity,
challenges the brain for solution-oriented thinking, facilitates intermingling with
professionals highly vested in children, and allows us to touch the future through our
investment in children and the growth of our profession.
My favorite "down time" activity is to sleep late--not very often. I enjoy my yard
and my home as well as walking. Time spent with family is special. I always look
forward to traveling to new places, preferring sun and water locations. I hope to
become better at the game of golf. And if nothing else is occurring I enjoy jigsaw
puzzles when I need some quiet time.
Our 2 children are grown but live nearby along with our granddaughter. We now have
another nurse in the family who is working at Portland Adventist. Her 3 12 hour
shifts a week sound intriguing some weeks. Our son is still vacillating on next
career steps. How I marvel at his 100% accuracy on recent anatomy tests. My husband,
Lowell, continues to engage in lots of service activities. His next adventure is to
chair the planning and implementation of the 2009 Elks National Convention to be held
in Portland. I suspect I may become an accomplice.
Movies and TV are raaaaaaaaaaaare events. I like to read but have no special book in my recall.