May 02, 2025

Honored Clinician Spotlight: Celebrating School Nurse Keona for Nurse Appreciation Week

In celebration of Nurse Appreciation Week, we’re proud to spotlight one of Aequor’s exceptional clinicians: Keona, a dedicated School Nurse whose warmth, compassion, and professionalism shine through every school day. Keona’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and a deep-rooted commitment to supporting student health and well-being.

Before becoming a school nurse, Keona spent 15 years as a pediatric inpatient nurse. While rewarding, the hospital environment was intense and mentally taxing. Driven by a desire to continue serving pediatric populations in a less stressful setting, Keona made the bold decision to transition to school nursing—a change that not only benefited her students but also brought new balance to her life.

“Working in a school setting is completely different,” Keona shares. “It’s their work environment. I feel like I’m a part of their world, and that makes me really appreciate my role even more.”

Today, Keona works across many grade levels, from pre-K to 12th grade, tailoring her care to meet the unique needs of each student. Her days are filled with everything from routine health concerns to moments of quiet, impactful support. One such moment stands out vividly for Keona—a senior student with a neurological disorder who relies on her presence during tests. During one exam, the student passed Keona a note with a question she was too uncomfortable to ask aloud. That quiet exchange made all the difference, and the student went on to perform well on the test. It’s this kind of connection that reinforces Keona’s belief in the importance of her role.

“Seeing students in a setting where they’re not chronically ill, where I get to interact with them on regular days—it’s very special to me,” Keona says.

Keona emphasizes how much her mental health has improved since moving into the school environment. The ability to focus more fully on students, without the high-stakes intensity of inpatient care, has helped her feel more relaxed and fulfilled. She begins each day with a simple but powerful intention: “for my day to go well and that my students will be well.”

Keona also credits Aequor for playing a big part in her positive experience. She praises her recruiter Megan, who she describes as “absolutely wonderful” and always prompt and communicative.

“Megan’s support has made such a difference. And Aequor offers benefits that a lot of agencies don’t—medical, vision, dental, retirement. That’s why I’m happy to work with them.”

Keona encourages other nurses considering a move from bedside to school nursing to be ready for a mindset shift, but also reassures them that the change can be incredibly rewarding. She highly recommends Aequor to anyone making this transition, commending the agency for truly understanding and supporting their clinicians.

From her compassion to her calm leadership, Keona exemplifies everything we celebrate during RN Appreciation Week. As Megan, her recruiter, puts it:

“Keona is an excellent School Nurse. Her dedication and impact play a crucial role in promoting student health and well-being. Her professionalism is unmatched, and her presence creates a safe, healthy learning environment. We are proud and thankful to have her with Aequor.”

Thank you, Keona, for being an inspiration to your students, your peers, and the entire Aequor family. We are honored to recognize you during Nurse Appreciation Week and every day that you bring care and compassion to your school community.

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