LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Linda Compton

Position: School Nurse
School: Great Brook Elementary School
School District: SAU #1 Contoocook Valley School District
City, State: Antrim, NH

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Linda Compton was nominated by her colleague, Paula MacKinnon.

Ms. Compton strives to be an effective liaison between her student's parents, their medical home, and their teachers. She collaborates with many medical providers to ensure she's providing the best possible care for students with complex medical needs. Her office is a welcoming and safe place for students struggling with a medical need or chronic health issue.

Taking care of her school community is not the only commitment Ms. Compton has made to her profession. She volunteers her time to serve on the NH Board of Nursing's Practice and Education Committee, through which she was instrumental in developing the guidebook, "Nursing Delegation in the School Setting."  She has offered continuing education to school nurses on delegation, and she presents on the Scope and Standards of School Nursing Practice. 

Ms. Compton's mantra when she speaks at school nurse conferences is: "If you're not at the table, you're on the menu."  She inspires and motivates her school nurse colleagues as she pushes them to exercise their voices, not only at the school level, but the state level, as well. Ms. Compton has led by example; she has served on the board of the New Hampshire School Nurses' Association in several different roles, including twice as president (2006 and 2016).

Ms. Compton has advocated for excellence in practice at the national level, as well. Recently (and for the second time), she committed to a four year assignment as the NH representative for the Board of Directors of the National Association of School Nurses.  In that role, she participates in writing position statements and white papers, and she represents NH in decisions made at the national board level. She has been an NASN member for more than 20 years. She says, “Being a member of NASN allows me to advocate for school nursing with research-based information and current trends.” 

"In summary, Linda is truly a LifeChanger, not only for her students, but as a resource for school nurses in New Hampshire and across the nation, giving them the supports they need for quality, evidence-based practice," said MacKinnon. 

Comments (11)

Pamela Murphy Posted over a year ago

I have worked with Linda for 23 years. She is a true professional and tirelessly advocates for school nursing. Her commitment to her profession is exemplary. I know I can always count on her for expert advice when facing a complex situation as she is always improving her own knowledge base. Linda has served the NH School Nurses Association in many capacities from President to representative to the national board to organizing both state and regional conferences as well as presenting at those conferences. She has also been a member of the NH Board of Nursing and currently serves on the Practice and Education committee. Linda advocates for the safety and well being of her students and formulates her decisions on what is best for them. Her positive influence not only changes the lives of her students but of those who are fortunate enough to work with her. She truly goes the extra mile.

Kathy Barth Posted over a year ago

Linda has influenced many students, colleagues, and other school nurses for 30 years, and is well deserving of this award. She has a thoughtful approach to everything she does and is not afraid to speak to best practice and evidence-based care. She is a strong advocate for her students and families, and for this reason, is respected and loved by her school community. She is a leader in school health, both in New Hampshire and on a national level, and through her volunteer positions with the New Hampshire School Nurses Association, and the National Association of School Nurses, has been an excellent mentor and role model for school nurses who are new to the profession, or who seek her counsel in challenging situations. I fully support Linda Compton as Lifechanger of the year!

Pamela Clay-Storm Posted over a year ago

Linda is an inspirational nurse who goes above and beyond to advance the profession of school nursing. It is an honor to work with her on the NH School Nurse Association board. A well deserved recognition!

Traci Fairbanks Posted over a year ago

Linda has always been a positive influence on me, most especially nurturing my interest in growing the specialty of school nursing. She sets the bar high and recently represented School Nurses during a meeting with US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. Their conversation addressed the role of schools in pediatric COVID vaccination efforts and the importance of meeting students’ mental health and academic needs this year.

Katherine Foecking Posted over a year ago

Linda is an excellent candidate for this award. She has been going above and beyond for the last 2 years keeping our school community safe during this pandemic. Her diligence in working with our families to help them understand the COVID-requirements is second to none. She harbors a wealth of nursing knowledge and takes every opportunity to educate the members of our school community. As the principal of the school, I have complete trust in Linda's judgement in all health related matters. Linda collaborates with her school nurse colleagues on a daily basis to provide the best care for our students and staff. She spends countless hours educating herself so that she has the most up to date information. Linda remains calm in all situations, but especially when a student is experiencing a medical emergency. I have seen her work with families of students with complex medical needs and help parents feel at ease sending their child to school. They learn quickly that their child is in very capable hands. I am honored to work by Linda's side every day.

Carla Smith Posted over a year ago

Linda has made profound contributions not just to her students, but for the profession of nursing! Linda is always willing to jump in and take a seat at the table, whether is it serving her professional association or serving on state task forces to advocate for student health. I personally view Linda as a mentor and she truly seeks to share her expertise with other nurses as well as education professionals. Congratulations on your nomination Linda, most well deserved!

Catherine Mandeville Posted over a year ago

Linda works tirelessly to keep our students and staff safe. I heartily endorse this!

Laura Gourlay Posted over a year ago

I have worked with Linda for 10+ years in our middle school setting. She is smart, pragmatic, and stays very current with the latest pandemic mitigation procedures. Her main goal is to support students in the health office with the goal of returning to class if they are well. She is in constant contact with medical professionals and parents to provide information, guidance and oversight of good physical health for our students. She is also a very important part of our Mental Health Support team, helping to inform mental health interventions and supports for students as well. Linda embodies the positive, strong can-do spirit that a medical professional should have!

Sheila Koutelis Posted over a year ago

What a great tribute to a great school nurse! Thanks for representing us all well on a state and national level and for your contributions and commitment to your students and community!!

Michelaine Turgeon Posted over a year ago

Linda Compton has been in many roles in my professional life starting as my 3rd shift Nursing supervisor at Monadnock Community Hospital in the 1980's. Later she has been and continues to be, an esteemed co-worker and leader in the Contoocook Valley School District Nurses. She serves on the NH School Nurses Association as well as the National Board of Nursing. I have taken the Washington DC trip with my 5th graders at the same time she attended with her 5th graders for the Washington DC trip. That is a huge week long commitment in and of itself. Linda gives her best effort tirelessly everyday to the students and staff and is a great role model and source of knowledge. I am proud to be her associate in nursing and value her many varied experiences. I fully support her nomination for this prestigious award. Michelaine Turgeon,RN

Meg Jenkins Posted over a year ago

I think Linda is a great role model! I have learned a lot from her over the years during my tenure on the Board of the NHSNA