Kimberly Fickes
Celebrating 20 Years in School Nursing
story by KAREN SNYDER photos by SUSAN DELOACH
Think about your schooling, and chances are your favorite teacher quickly comes to mind. You know … that teacher you connected with on a personal level or who made learning fun and interesting. Now, think about your elementary years and your favorite school nurse! Does someone come to mind? Chances are if your children attend (or maybe even you attended) Coosa Elementary School, then School Nurse Kimberly Fickes, RN, NCSN, quickly comes to mind. Celebrating her 20th year in school nursing, she undoubtedly is at the top of many children’s lists when it comes to their favorite school nurse!
How many students do you serve as a school nurse?
I serve 447 enrolled students at Coosa Elementary, pre-K to 5th grade.
Have you always been a school nurse? Tell us about your nursing background.
I attended Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio, and graduated with a BS in Human Development/Family Services. I received an associate degree in nursing from the Technical College of the Lowcountry in 1994 and became a Nationally Certified Nurse in 2019. I haven’t always been a school nurse — a military move stationed my family in Memphis, TN. There, I worked as a staff nurse at a local doctor’s office. When I moved back to Beaufort in 1996, I worked for the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) as a float nurse to the Jasper, Colleton, Hampton, and Bluffton Health Departments, working with immunizations, family planning, and WIC clinics.
Why did you become a school nurse?
I wanted to be a school nurse since I was in Kindergarten! I enjoy working with children and making a positive impact on their lives.
What do you like most about being a school nurse?
Making kids smile, and helping children that are sick and not feeling well. I feel like a little of my specialty is teeth! My dad retired from pediatric dentistry, so I grew up around a dental environment. If a child comes to see me about a wiggly,
nearly dangling tooth, I never pull it. I coach them through how easy it is to pull their own tooth! I make a big deal about it because many times it is their first loose tooth at school. I feel I ease their pain — hopefully turning a scary experience into a happy one!
Is there anything that you dislike about being a school nurse?
Dirty toes and fingernails, and lice!
Has the COVID-19 pandemic caused any additional challenges as a school nurse?
Contact tracing is challenging and requires more detailed documentation. I have observed our Coosa staff and students doing an excellent job with mask wearing and handwashing! Everyone has their comfort level with the virus, and I am respectful of this. I am especially thankful for Head Nursing Supervisor Denise Unruh, RN, and Karen Stoddard, RN, NCSN, for their awesome guidance during this fluid and ever-changing time of COVID-19.
Do you have any “funny” nurse stories to tell?
That would involve Lego pieces or beads up children’s noses, or in their ears. It really happens. I have to send them to the doctor for removal.
Tell us about your family.
I’ve been married to a retired Marine officer, Russ Fickes, for 27 ½ years. I have a stepdaughter, Jessica Wyma, in Charleston, SC; a son, Joel, and his wife, Sarah Beth, who live in Beaufort; and another son, Josh, who lives in Buffalo, NY.
What other “fun facts” can you share about yourself.
I grew up around golf. My dad and brother played golf in college. My husband loves the game too and works at Secession Golf Club! My younger son, Josh, played on the Clemson Golf Team, and my older son, Joel, is currently an assistant golf pro at Ocean Point Golf Course on Fripp Island. Another fun fact is that my mom, who is an artist, makes all my nursing scrub tops and now my masks. I also love Turvis® tumblers. In fact, I try to match my scrubs, masks, and tumblers on a daily basis!
As much as the students love having Kim Fickes as their nurse, Kim sends the love right back: “I’ve got to give a shout out to the wonderful staff at Coosa Elementary — especially Melissa Pender, principal; Renee Roberts, assistant principal; and Nichelle Tyson, data specialist — for being super supportive all the time. We are family, and I love coming to work!”
