School Nurse Spotlight: Jessica Iler

Building Trust, One Student at a Time

Jessica Iler always knew she wanted to make a difference in students’ lives—and school nursing turned out to be the perfect fit. Drawn to the opportunity to support young people in a meaningful way, she enrolled in the WSU College of Nursing’s School Nursing: Preparation for Initial Certification course. Now in her first year on the job, she’s thriving—and discovering just how impactful school nursing can be.

Despite some early hesitation about working with young children, she’s found the role deeply fulfilling. “Helping students stay in school and build relationships with them has been more rewarding than I ever imagined,” she says. With many of her students coming from immigrant families, Iler is often their only regular link to health care. “It’s satisfying to be that connection for them—and their families.”

Helping students stay in school and build relationships with them has been more rewarding than I ever imagined.

Jessica Iler, School Nurse

From head injuries to managing chronic conditions like ADHD, asthma, and diabetes, Iler is surprised by how many clinical skills she uses daily. Coming from a hospital setting, she’s found school nursing to be both meaningful and refreshingly balanced. “I love the schedule, being off on holidays and summers—and I’m even considering pediatrics as a future path, maybe becoming a nurse practitioner.”

Iler’s transition to school nursing was supported by the Linda Bordwell Educational Fund for School Nursing, an endowment honoring a beloved school nurse and WSU College of Nursing alumna. “The course was recommended by a colleague, and I was pleasantly surprised by how relevant and applicable it was,” she said. “It helped me see the whole picture of what this role really involves.”

“Some people get weeded out of nursing, but I believe anyone can be a nurse if they’re persistent. The diversity in nursing is what makes it amazing.”