With a colorful contemporary art installation overhead and neighboring mirrored skyscrapers reflecting sunlight into the lobby of Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Nurse Kimberlyn Jordan came out of the elevator expecting to take her photo for the school yearbook.

But the staff at HSPVA had other plans, surprising Jordan with the April Secondary Nurse of the Month honor.

“I saw all these people down here, and I had no idea what was going on,” Jordan said.

But the former member of the Navy—and two-time combat veteran—quickly realized that this party in the lobby was for her. But Jordan is quick to point out that she is doing what all nurses would do.

“I think I have done what all the school nurses are doing this year. It’s been very hard and very challenging. Not just for us, but for everybody,” she said. “But being recognized like this really makes me feel good, to be acknowledged for my time and my efforts.”

Earlier that morning at R.P. Harris Elementary School in east Houston, Nurse Susan George was named the Elementary Nurse of the Month for April. She has dedicated nearly 20 years of her career to HISD, serving many of those years at R.P. Harris. Before becoming a school nurse, George served in the hospital setting for 18 years as well.

“I always say that RP Harris is my second family,” George said. “My family is the first family—of course—but this school is my second family. They’ve always supported me.”

Principal Erica Avie said that support goes both ways, as Nurse George’s commitment to the school has been evident every day, especially during the pandemic.

“She does so much for us, for our students and their families, and our entire community,” Avie said. “She’s truly a member of this family, and we cannot overstate how much she does for us.”

If you are interested in nominating someone for Nurse of the Month, you can learn more on the process here.