During a recent government meeting, Lisonbee Dwyer, a school nurse and union representative for the Methuen School Nurses, raised urgent concerns regarding unsafe staffing levels within the district's nursing staff. Dwyer highlighted a significant decline in nurse staffing since the resignation of the former nursing director last year, which has left schools operating with inadequate support.

Dwyer reported that the elimination of the float nurse position, a union role, occurred without prior discussion, exacerbating the staffing crisis. Several nurses have resigned, and positions have not been filled, leading to a situation where each school is staffed by only one nurse. This is particularly alarming given that the state mandates a minimum of one nurse for every 500 students, while many schools in the district exceed this ratio, with some elementary schools having over 1,000 students and the high school over 2,000.

The remaining nurses are facing overwhelming workloads, managing students with complex medical needs, including diabetes and seizure disorders, as well as mental health issues. Dwyer emphasized that the current staffing levels not only violate state standards but also pose safety risks for students, as nurses are unable to complete essential care plans or approve new registrations due to time constraints.

Dwyer also expressed concerns about the district's ability to recruit and retain qualified nursing staff. The absence of a dedicated nursing director and inadequate orientation for new hires are significant deterrents for potential applicants. The situation has created a climate of uncertainty, with existing staff worried about their job security and the potential for further resignations.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for the district to address these staffing issues to ensure the safety and well-being of students and to support the remaining nursing staff effectively.