If a child has a headache, fever, or a sore throat, they are sent to the nurse's office. The woman who comes to the rescue is Latifah Fleniken, the Director of Health Services at St. Cyprian's Episcopal School.
In her second year at SCES, Latifah said working with the students is "an absolute love of mine."
"To become the nurse at SCES was a real unexpected God thing," she said. "I don't know if I chose SCES or if SCES chose me. When the opportunity arose to be a part of the SCES team, I decided to jump on board because of the common moral and ethical values we shared." Latifah is married to Alex Fleniken, Technology Director at SCES. Together, they are the parents to four-year-old, Ellis Kate and one-year-old, Caroline. Latifah said Ellis Kate is SCES' biggest fan.
Outside of school nursing, Latifah can be found working at New Life Lufkin, her church home where she serves as admin. assistant. She also works after-hours as an injector nurse at Allure Aesthetics. Plus, she is on adjunct faculty at Angelina College, where she teaches courses in the nursing program. Keep reading to learn more about the Director of Health Services and learn why she became a nurse.
Q: Why did you become a nurse? L: I became a nurse for two reasons. First, as an extension of ministry. I feel as if caring for people physically is a real honor. Combining an understanding of nursing and ministry, I felt as if I could have the potential to make a great impact on patient care. Second, to have the skills to take care of my family. Q: What is your favorite thing about nursing? L: My favorite thing about nursing is the people. The patient-nurse relationship is sacred, and it's a part of the profession I respect and value. Having needs, and facing sickness is no respecter of persons. Thus, I come into contact with all kinds-of-kinds. This makes for interesting days, and no one day that is like another. Q: What are the most important lessons you've learned in your nursing career? L: Two lessons come to mind that are the foundation of my nursing practice. First, a detailed assessment is everything. Second, follow your gut.