School Nurse

NAME: Ms. Barbara Verga

About The Nurse:

It has been my greatest joy (next to raising my own two, now grown children) to be Dogwood Hill’s school nurse for the last almost 20 years. Prior to working at Dogwood Hill, I worked in home care and hospital settings which I enjoyed. However, for me, nothing can compare to the experience of caring for and getting to know Dogwood Hill’s children as they learn, grow and mature through kindergarten to fifth grade.

Nurses keep track of required vaccinations, do screenings for vision, hearing, blood pressure, height, weight, and scoliosis. We take care of the sick and the injured. We make sure that children with serious health issues are safe in school. It is a fun challenge to juggle the bumps, bruises, tears, Math avoidance, worries, bellyaches, diabetes care, inhalers and more. What makes it fun? The kids - what they say, how they think, how they learn to express their worries, fears, and how they managed to get so much syrup on their clothing during breakfast for lunch day.

Additional goals? Children learn to express their needs and tell their story. They learn how to ask for help and that there are things that they can manage on their own. They learn blood is good and how to evaluate what could be the cause of their stomachache. They learn that feelings are just as important as bodies.

Thank you for sharing those who are most precious to you. I hope you will feel comfortable calling or emailing me with anything that you would like to tell me about your child’s needs.

Barbara Verga, BSN, RN, NJ-CSN
School Nurse, Dogwood Hill Elementary School