Episode Summary: In this episode of Eyespiring, Heather Patrick speaks with Melissa Somers, District Nurse for Venus ISD, about her journey from pediatric home health and labor & delivery to school nursing. Nurse Somers shares how vision screenings and partnerships with Prevent Blindness Texas have transformed the lives of students, highlights the unique challenges of school nursing, and emphasizes the importance of advocacy, parent engagement, and community support in promoting eye health.

Topics Covered:

1.    Nurse Somers path from LVN to RN and her experiences in pediatric home health, labor & delivery, and school nursing

2.    The unique role of school nurses and the relationships they build with students

3.    Balancing immediate care with preventative health screenings, including vision and hearing

4.    Real-life impact of vision screenings on students’ learning, behavior, and confidence

5.    How Prevent Blindness Texas supports school nurses and accelerates vision care

6.    Strategies for engaging parents and community members in eye health initiatives

7.    The importance of vision advocacy and integrating health into student success

8.    Tips for aspiring nurses and school nurses seeking to make a difference in their districts

Nurse Somers story highlights how one nurse’s dedication, compassion, and advocacy can transform the educational experience for students while promoting lifelong vision health.

Timestamps & Highlights:

· 00:00 – Introduction – Heather welcomes listeners and introduces Nurse Melissa Somers.

· 01:08 – Melissa’s Nursing Journey – From LVN to RN; pediatric home health to school nursing.

· 03:08 – Why School Nursing is Special – Creating a safe space and forming long-term relationships with students.

· 04:18 – Lessons from Previous Nursing Roles – Pediatric and labor & delivery experience shaped her calm, resourceful approach.

· 05:47 – From Elementary to High School Nursing – Differences in student needs and responsibilities at different grade levels.

· 07:10 – Advice for Aspiring Nurses & Early Career Professionals – Importance of empathy, compassion, and finding your calling.

· 09:32 – A Day in the Life of a District Nurse – Balancing urgent care with preventative screenings and health education.

· 11:59 – Challenges in School Nursing Today – Mental health, parent communication, and workflow logistics.

· 13:48 – Vision Screenings & PBT Partnership – Becoming a certified vision screener and the power of early detection.

· 18:18 – Impact Stories – Students whose vision screenings dramatically improved classroom performance.

· 20:05 – High School Screenings – The importance of maintaining vision checks for older students.

· 21:26 – Tips for Nurses Considering Partnerships – Taking the first step with Prevent Blindness Texas.

· 22:39 – Engaging Parents & Community – How volunteers, parents, and teachers can support eye health programs.

· 24:22 – Vision Advocacy in Schools – School nurses bridging gaps in access to care.

· 26:25 – Integrating Health Into Student Success – Early detection of health issues improves learning and behavior.

· 27:32 – Key Takeaways for Students – Feeling cared for, being heard, and understanding that their health matters.

· 28:37 – Final Thoughts – Vision is more than seeing: volunteer, listen, and take every health concern seriously.

· 31:07 – Get Involved with Prevent Blindness Texas – Ways to volunteer, get certified, donate, or support student eye health.