Staff Spotlight: Anna Brooks

By VCS Junior Kynadi Gordon

What inspired you to become a nurse? 

I’ve always been a “fixer” at heart. Whether it was helping a friend through a tough time or being the first to grab the first-aid kit, I wanted to be the person who knew what to do in a crisis. Nursing is the perfect blend of high-level science and genuine human connection. Plus, I don’t have to pick out an outfit that matches every day.

What inspired you to become a school nurse instead of working in a hospital? 

I spent some time working in the ER, where the pace is nonstop and you often only see people during their worst moments. I loved the intensity, but I realized I wanted to build relationships with the people I care for. In a school setting, I get to watch students grow and navigate life—which can sometimes feel like its own kind of emergency room.

What do you enjoy most about working in a school setting?

The variety. One minute I’m helping a third grader with a loose tooth, and the next I’m interpreting symptoms or treating a sports injury. No two days are ever the same. Being part of a school community allows me to see the “whole person,” not just a patient.

What are the most common reasons students visit your office? 

I see a little bit of everything—headaches, stomachaches, bumps, and bruises. I also administer medications, which helps students get back to class quickly. If a student is dealing with something emotional, we take time to slow down, get grounded, and connect them with the counselor, dean, or principal.

Have you had any memorable or funny experiences with students? 

I keep a “wall of fame” in my office to track some of the most creative ways students describe their symptoms. Translating from “student language” to medical terms is truly an art form. Some favorites include:

• “My legs can’t breathe.”

• “It feels like a bone was removed from my body… it wasn’t, but it feels like it.”

• “Your face is giving… ‘overstimulated’”—which, to be fair, I was that day.

  
  

What skills are most important for being a school nurse? 

You need a strong stomach and a great poker face, along with investigative skills to figure out what’s really going on. Just as important is the ability to educate and connect with students. A big part of my job is helping students understand what they’re feeling and how to take care of themselves.

How do you balance caring for many students at once? 

ER habits stick with you—triage becomes second nature. If multiple students come in at once, I quickly assess who needs immediate attention and who can be treated and sent back to class with something simple like ibuprofen or Tylenol.

What do you like to do outside of school? 

I’m a big believer in “dirt therapy.” You’ll usually find me in my garden tending to tomatoes and cucumbers or experimenting in the kitchen. Right now, I’m working on homemade coffee syrups—recent flavors include lemon pound cake and brown sugar cinnamon. Next up: brown butter and lavender vanilla.

If you weren’t a nurse, what would you be? I would likely run a modular farm stand or a small homestead. I enjoy building things from the ground up and designing spaces that are both functional and productive.

What are some common health issues students face in school? 

Many of the “mystery” symptoms I see—like headaches or fatigue—often come down to basic habits. Too much screen time and poor nutrition can take a toll. I encourage students to drink water, eat balanced meals, and spend time outside. Being indoors constantly isn’t just tough on your mood—it can also impact your health. Fresh air and sunlight are important. Sometimes the best “medicine” isn’t medicine at all—it’s going for a walk, getting outside, and eating whole, nourishing foods.