The American Nurses Association’s 2026 theme is “The Power of Nurses,” highlighting the impact nurses have on patient care and health transformation. School nurses, often unsung heroes, play a crucial role in supporting students’ health, wellness, and academic success.

Importance of the Week

The significance of National Nurses Week extends beyond just a formal recognition. It serves as a reminder of the dedication, compassion, and expertise that nurses provide in every healthcare setting. Additionally, it presents an opportunity for healthcare organizations to foster a deeper appreciation for the school nursing profession.

This is why Rise Up San Antonio presents the “Who We Recommend Achievement Award” to Nyla Chesser and the “Places We Like Award” to the Nursing Services of Northside Independent School District during National Nurses Week 2026.

The “Who We Recommend” achievement award is given to recognize individuals or groups who exemplify outstanding service, dedication, and positive impact in their field. By giving this award to the school nurses, Rise Up San Antonio aims to honor their commitment to improving each student’s physical and mental health in accordance with their personal needs.

Part of this recognition involves acknowledging the comprehensive care school nurses provide. This includes delivering emergency care when indicated and attending to the child who becomes ill at school. The student is the ultimate reason why they are there, and benefits from the program through everyone’s continued effort. This requires cooperation with parents/guardians, appropriate community health agencies, teachers and their own administration. The nurses coordinate care with other school faculty and staff.

Nyla Chesser developed an interest in nursing while working at the Health Department in Ft Worth, TX. She earned her RN from Texas Woman’s University and began her career as a clinical research coordinator in San Antonio, where she managed diabetes therapy studies. Her work led her to Dallas, where she conducted further clinical trials at UT Southwestern. Wanting to be closer to her daughters in San Antonio, Nyla applied for a nursing position at Northside Independent School District, where she has served for 13 years as a floating nurse, assigned to Elementary, Middle, and High schools. Her workday often starts at 5 am and can finish at 5 pm, depending on her assignment from the Health Services Nursing Coordinator.

• As an RN for NISD, Nyla has completed numerous continuing education certifications awarded by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Continuing Education Service for Nursing Continuing Professional Development. All NISD Registered Nurses must complete 20 CE credits every 2 years.

• Nyla has continued to receive superb evaluations from the Health Services Nursing Coordinators for the last 13 years. Recently, Nyla was recognized by Nancy Fox, B.S.N., R.N., Health Services Coordinator, as an outstanding member of the district’s Vision and Hearing Team. “She does an exceptional job in this role.” She added, Great job, Nyla!!

Northside Independent School District (NISD) employs over 170 nursing professionals, including Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). These dedicated nurses support students’ health, wellness, and academic achievement throughout the district, reflecting NISD’s commitment as one of the largest school districts in San Antonio.

As a school nurse, Nyla Chesser is a caregiver, advocate, educator, and problem-solver. She addresses critical healthcare needs, ensuring students can thrive in and beyond the classroom. Today, students face challenges from chronic illnesses to mental health struggles, requiring comprehensive, accessible care that school nurses provide. With over 25% of students managing chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy, school nurses ensure children thrive in safe, supportive environments.

Given these responsibilities, school nurses are tasked with the health of children, including, but not limited to: Assessing the severity of illness or injury in students. Distributing medications to students who are provided and approved by their parents and healthcare providers.

• Caring for students with chronic conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy/seizures, asthma, allergies/anaphylaxis, and others.
• Ensuring all students are up to date on their vaccinations/immunizations.
• Directing the provision of health services within the school.
• Screening students for vision, hearing, and other potential health issues.
• Preventing and controlling the spread of communicable diseases.
• Connecting students and their families to relevant health resources.
• Providing mental health support to students in need.
• Collecting health data in schools to provide to local, State, and national officials.
• Promotion of overall school community health through education and wellness initiatives.
• Providing urgent, episodic care to students, including band-aids and ice packs for children with cuts, scrapes, and bruises.

To learn more about the key challenges facing students nationwide and how research underscores the tangible benefits of investing in school nursing services, read the full article at https://businessinnovatorsmagazine.com/rise-up-san-antonio-honors-nyla-chesser-the-who-we-recommend-and-nisd-the-places-we-like-for-national-nurses-week-also-featured-in-business-innovators-magazine.