Natrona County School District is thrilled to announce NCSD school nurse Ruth Burns has been named the 2021-2022 Wyoming School Nurse of the Year by the Wyoming School Nurses Association! The Wyoming School Nurses Association honors one school nurse each year who “demonstrates excellence in school nursing practice and leadership in school health.”
With a significant nursing career, Ruth worked as a pediatric nurse for the past 40 years and is currently in her 16th year as a school nurse at NCSD, presently working at Southridge Elementary.
Ruth shared her passion for school nursing started after a chance encounter with another school nurse. After moving to Wyoming, Ruth began working with the Casper Natrona County Health Department as a Maternal Child Nurse. While working with a young patient, a school nurse encouraged her to apply for an opening within NCSD. “My mentor Carol Boal shared her passion as a school nurse; I learned so much with her as my mentor. As with any new position, you have a learning curve, but my passion for children and their wellness & health grew over the years. I have found my passion in school nursing: working with children helping them to learn, grow, and taking care of their health.”
Southridge Elementary Principal Tuttle shared, “Her dedication, years of experience, and love for students shine through in the thoughtful, capable way she cares for students at her two schools.”
Humbled to receive the award, Nurse Burns didn’t miss an opportunity to share her recognition for her fellow school nurses and admiration for the profession, “So many school nurses deserve to be recognized for the unique job roles we have within the education system. It is an honor to be recognized by my fellow school nurses throughout the state of Wyoming. It means a lot to be recognized and supported by my teachers and thanked for the job I have done at the schools I’ve had the privilege to work at over the years. There have been many wonderful heartfelt moments over the past 16 years. Having students come back years later to tell me what a difference I have made in their lives and telling me, "I don't know why I came to see you so much.”
Congratulations, Ruth Burns, on this terrific recognition and award!
