Lisa Gerlemann, New Haven High School’s nurse, has been nursing since 1985. She grew up in Sullivan where she attended grades K-12.
After high school, she attended the Washington School of Vocational Nursing in Washington, Missouri, to obtain her LPN license.
Mrs. Gerlemann is married to her husband, Jim, who is a graduate of New Haven High School. They have four children: Chase, who is a 2009 graduate of NHHS, a graduate of UMKC, and who now works as a pharmacist; Lance, a 2012 graduate of NHHS, and a graduate of SEMO with a degree in Agricultural Business; Lauren, a recent 2018 NHHS graduate now attending Mizzou and studying sports medicine; and Luke, who is currently a junior here at New Haven High.
Mrs. Gerlemann’s first job out of school was as an office nurse for the Ear, Nose and Throat doctor, Dr. Albert Marchiando in Washington. She then started working at Tri County Surgery Center in Washington, which was eventually bought by a company called Healthsouth Surgery Center. This was an outpatient surgery center where people came for elective, same-day surgery.
When asked about what it’s like working at NHHS, Mrs. Gerlemann commented, “I love coming to this campus. The students and staff here show so much respect and pride in being a Shamrock. It’s easy to come here when you’re surrounded by positive, successful people. It's fun to see the happiness of healthy, fun, active kids.”
She was asked about her role as a school nurse, and she stated, “I am here at school every day that classes are in session to take care of medical concerns of the students. The elementary and the high school office are my responsibility. Providing the care needed in the event of a medical event, keeping health records updated, and state required immunization records and health screenings are some of my duties. I also provide lots of TLC to some of my younger friends at the elementary campus. At the elementary campus, many love my company and visit frequently.”
She continued: “School nursing is a learning experience for me every day. Learning the concerns and thoughts of students is very interesting. I hope each day I help them with their health issues or their questions and concerns. Nursing is [a] very rewarding career and there will be highs and lows in this career. Asking questions, and demonstrating your willingness to learn will be so important.”
Finally, Mrs. Gerlemann was asked to give a word of advice to any students considering a nursing career, and she asserted, “Learning as a nurse is truly life-long. A nurse never fully knows what patients or families are truly thinking, which results in some challenging decisions at times. Nursing requires empathy, compassion, and respect, and sometimes a little luck.”
Nursing can be difficult, but as we’ve learned, it is also very rewarding. Thank you for all you do to keep our students happy and healthy, Mrs. Gerlemann!