Proconian.org exclusive: Bleeke takes her nursing talents to Chapel Hill

Lorraine Bleeke is currently working her first year as Chapel Hill High School’s nurse. Proconian’s Nathan Guskiewicz caught up with her to ask her some questions about how she is adjusting to her new job.

Were you a nurse before coming to Chapel Hill High School?

Yes, I did school nursing for the past six years in Texas. I was at a middle school and elementary school. So this is my first year doing high school nursing.

Is it different doing high school nursing?

A little bit.

What brought you to Chapel Hill?

Moving closer to family.

Do you like it here so far?

I do. I am excited to be here in North Carolina. I’m enjoying the fall weather, because that was something we didn’t have in Texas. I have lived many different places, my Dad was in the Army for 30 years. We lived in Germany for three years.

What do you like about being a nurse?

I really like being with kids. I enjoy taking care of kids and being around other people. Helping.

What are some of the differences you have noticed with high school nursing?

[In] elementary and middle school nursing we do more screening and more vision hearing. With you guys, not as much. [There is] not too much besides that.

How long have you been a nurse for?

This is my second time being a school nurse. I've done delivery. I was in a hospital on a medical floor. Orthopedics and [neurosurgery]. I worked in a doctor's office for a little bit. I have three children, they’re all grown up.

Why did you stop working in a hospital?

I worked in a hospital before my kids. Then, I was fortunate to be home with my kids until they grew up and then I went back to work.

#nurse