Friday Feature: Lynne Kusnerick, Goshen Nurse
by Mary Ann Mitchell, public relations and communications coordinator
After working as a nurse in oncology for 10 years, Lynne Kusnerick wanted to look for something opposite of what she was doing.
“I was working with a lot of elderly patients in my previous position, so I thought it might be fun to work with children. I had seen a lot of sadness, so I was ready for some happiness.”
And that is exactly what she has found as a school nurse.
“I enjoy the hugs and the funny things that kids say the most! I wish I would have written down all the cute and hilarious things that kids have said or that have happened while at work. I would have a bestseller by now!”
Kusnerick has been with District #7 for almost 16 years – 15 of those at Goshen.
“I chose to work in District #7 because I had heard so many positive things about the district and because District #7 has such a great reputation in the community.”
She did not always want to be a nurse and thought it would be fun to be a beautician or back-up singer when she was younger.
“The major reason I became a nurse is because one of my best friends was going to be a nurse, and I decided to give it a try too. It turned out to be a good fit for me because I was able to work in many different areas of nursing over the years.”
Kusnerick began her nursing career as a float nurse in a hospital, then at a Home IV Company before her time as an outpatient cancer center/oncology nurse. She also spent five years as a school nurse in another district before coming to Edwardsville.
She enjoys the variety of nursing care and situations that arise in a school setting.
“One day is never like the next. I always think I have seen it all, and then something new happens – such as when I discovered a live spider in a child’s ear!”
Kusnerick enjoys providing education to the students as it gives her time to interact with them and teach them ways to improve their health.
“Sometimes being at school is a young child’s first time to be away from their parents. I enjoy being one of the people that the kids know will help them if they get sick. Since my own kids are grown men now, I hope that being around young students will keep me young at heart forever!”
She also enjoys the staff she works with, both in Goshen and throughout the district.
“It is also fun to do different activities with the staff, such as running the Biggest Loser program. I work with a variety of different health conditions and feel that I am constantly learning. I love working independently, knowing that I have a strong support system with all the other nurses in the district. One major thing I love about my job is my coworkers—they are one of the main reasons I love my job.”
