Jean Phillips, DMPS Supervisor of Health Services, Named One of Iowa’s 100 Great Nurses
Jean Phillips is one great nurse.
And now the district’s soon-to-retire Director of Health Services has the certification to prove it. She’s one of the honorees to be recognized at the state’s 8th annual 100 Great Nurses celebration in Des Moines on Sunday, May 6, 2012. Primary sponsors of the 100 Great Nurses program are the University of Iowa College of Nursing and the Des Moines Register. Jean was nominated by Charlotte Burt; School Nurse & School Health Services Consultant for the Iowa Department of Education.
Jean has been a nurse for 38 years, the last 22 of them with DMPS. For 10 years she was a school nurse at Oak Park and Longfellow before assuming her current position. Prior to joining the district she had a wide range of nursing experience that included stints in delivery rooms and newborn nurseries so her transition to public school nursing was a logical progression. Over the years she has also served as an instructor and guest lecturer at many area nursing schools.
“My most rewarding work has been as a school nurse with the Des Moines Public Schools,” Jean said upon learning of her selection. “My mission as a school nurse has always been one of accepting children for exactly who they are, helping them to develop healthy lifestyles and providing the support they need to fully participate and achieve as learners. It’s been my pleasure to compile a team of outstanding school nurses and community partners who share this mission and work diligently to ensure that our schools are healthy and safe places for kids to learn and grow.”
One event cited on Jean’s nomination demonstrates her commitment to that mission. A mother expressed her appreciation for Jean’s personal facilitation of services that enabled her asthmatic son not only to stay in school but participate in extra-curricular activities as well.
It’s not necessarily part of her nursing resume but certainly worth noting that Jean is an avid tap dancer. She says she has no plans to give that up. Don’t be surprised if you see her bouncing across a stage at the state fair this summer. It’ll be good for what ails you!
