By Kate Anslinger
Meredith Hurley
Town nurse Meredith Hurley has accepted the position of high school nurse, a role that is fitting for her pediatric background. Having been a nurse for 13 years, Hurley dedicated much of her time working in the inpatient neuroscience unit at the Children’s Hospital, along with time spent in pediatric home care nursing, before starting her position as town nurse in February 2014.
She has also spent time substituting in the school as a nurse, making her a well-rounded qualified candidate for the position.
“I’m really looking forward to working with the students,†said Hurley. “They are such a great group of kids and it will be great to get to know them better.â€
Hurley has worked closely with the high school faculty, partnering up for Wellness Week, which was a series of events dedicated to educating students on physical and mental health.
School nurses are more in need than ever before, as a rising number of children are going to school with complex physical, mental and emotional needs. Due to the significant care they provide, school nurses are now termed as “first care personnel,†having to recognize and appropriately respond to situations as they emerge.
In the event that an emergency arises, every second counts before Winthrop first responders arrive on the scene. Hurley is looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead. The town is seeking to fill the town nursing position and is accepting applications.
As the town nurse Hurley was also active in working with the Board of Health and Inspectional Services. She has assisted in several hoarding cases and well-being checks on members of the community. She is also the person who would typically wade into the water of area beaches for water testing for swimmers safety. She has also been active with CASA and working to battle the opioid crisis