In each of the Anthony Wayne Local Schools buildings there is a compassionate and dedicated staff member who works hard each day to ensure that our students' health and medical needs are met so they are ready to learn. Our school nurses serve as a liaison between school, home and the child’s physician to ensure a continuity of care during the school day.
This month, we’re spotlighting Laura Soeder, the school nurse at Whitehouse Primary who has made a lasting impact on our district for the past decade.
A Career Built on Care
Laura began her educational journey at The University of Toledo, where she studied both psychology and nursing. After moving to Columbus for her husband's schooling, she gained valuable experience working on a Med-Surg floor and in post-open heart ICU care. However, it was her time working in pediatric recovery rooms at St. Vincent and St. Anne’s hospitals in Toledo that eventually sparked her interest in caring for children. When the opportunity arose to work as a school nurse, she was intrigued and saw it as a unique chance to connect with students outside of a hospital setting.
“The shift to working in the school gave me the opportunity to work with children when they aren’t so sick,” she said. “I love being in the school environment and my daily interactions with the students-it’s fun.”
Flexibility is the Key to Providing Support
No two days look alike for Laura, and describing this ever-changing environment as “a wonderful thing,” she said that it allows her to really lean into what each student needs at the moment they enter her office.
On any given day, she might be administering medication, managing chronic conditions like diabetes, or helping students with injuries and illnesses. But it’s not just physical health that she cares for; she’s there to support emotional well-being too.
“The children come in for a variety of reasons,” Laura shared. “Some days it’s a belly ache, a headache, or an injury, and sometimes it’s just a child needing someone to listen. I’m here to help them feel better—whether it’s with a bandage, a wiggly tooth, or just a kind word.”
Her job extends beyond basic care, too. She’s involved in wellness planning, vision and hearing screenings, and ensuring students are up to date on their vaccinations. And while the role of a school nurse may seem straightforward, Laura is quick to point out that it requires constant flexibility.
“In a hospital each nurse has a specific role and area of expertise,” she explained. “In the school setting, there are no daily routines, it is different all the time. I am often busy responding to student needs as they arise.”
Fostering Trust and Building Relationships
Laura said that caring for a sick or injured child starts with building trust. She works hard to remain visible and approachable, creating a safe space where kids can be comfortable coming to her when they do not feel well.
“I want the students to know that I’m here to help.” she explained. “I try to make the office welcoming and greet the children with a smile and kind words, I also interact with students outside of the nurse’s office, so they are familiar with me before they need something.”
Whether they have a scraped knee, a stomach ache, or just need someone to talk to, they know they can come to me. I am friendly and try to explain what I am doing in order to make them feel comfortable. I ask them questions and really try to listen to what they are saying,” she said.
Laura’s approach has created a strong rapport with the students, one that goes beyond just medical care. Many of them like to stop by to share stories or their concerns, knowing that Laura will listen and offer support.
A Strong Sense of Community
The relationship building aspect of her work extends to collaborating with families, teachers, and the wider community to ensure that students receive the best possible care. Laura’s role is not just about treating physical ailments but also about connecting families with resources that can help support their children’s health needs.
Laura particularly highlighted the efforts of Neighborhood Bridges. The local nonprofit organization has assisted with finding community donors willing to purchase glasses, orthotics or other medical resources that families cannot secure for themselves.
A Passion for Wellness
In addition to her one-on-one work with students, Laura is passionate about promoting wellness at Whitehouse Primary, the District and in her personal life. She’s an active member of the AWLS Wellness Committee and enjoys organizing events like Wellness Wednesdays, where students and staff can engage in fun activities that promote physical health.
“It’s rewarding to see everyone participating and having fun,” she says. “The activities help to create an environment where health and wellness are prioritized, and the kids really look forward to Wellness Wednesday.”
Outside of school, Laura also prioritizes her own health by leading an active lifestyle. She’s an avid fitness walker, participating in long-distance events like the Mammoth March. Laura also enjoys downhill skiing and has traveled extensively to challenge herself at different slopes.
Her Number One Health Tip
Laura said that her best advice for staying healthy is a simple one: focus on proper handwashing.
“Use soap. Scrub for 20 seconds - the length of time it takes to sing the ABC song,” she said. “Good handwashing can eliminate many germs and help keep kids and adults from getting ill.”
A Lasting Impact
Laura truly enjoys her work and encourages others to consider a career in nursing.
“The wonderful thing about being a nurse is that you can find a position that works for your schedule and your family life,” she explained. “You can work in a variety of settings and find something that appeals to you.”
Reflecting on her 10 years as a school nurse, Laura said that the job isn’t always easy, but that it is incredibly rewarding. She said she is grateful for the opportunity to make a difference for students.
She hopes that the parents of the students at Whitehouse Primary know that she is devoted to ensuring that their children are in good hands while at school.
“I hope they feel that I am doing all I can to keep their kids feeling well at school,” she said. “I want them to know that when they are here, they don’t have to worry, they are well cared for. We are happy that their children are here!”