Excellent Educator: Nurse Rose Link At Shakopee Area Catholic School

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It's that time of year when flu and cold bugs make their way through our schools. The nurse's office can be a busy place. So, we decided to recognize one school nurse at Shakopee Area Catholic School with our Excellent Educator award.

Taking care of others has been Rose Link's passion since she first became a home care nurse 18 years ago, but discovered a new appreciation for the job three years ago when she focused on kids at Shakopee Area Catholic School.

"It's my most favorite job I've done," Link said.

She's developed a reputation for helping kids who are sick by not only treating them, but by teaching them.

"She doesn't underestimate them being able to comprehend what she's telling them, so it's an education for them as well," Chris Johnson, a co-worker, said.

"When you know more about your body you're a better advocate for your health, so even little guys need to know about what is happening in their bodies so they can use language to tell the adults in their lives about what's happening in their bodies," Link said.

It's not just the kids Link helps feel better. She wants the adults at school to feel better about themselves, too.

"Who doesn't feel good when they have a good hair day?" She said.

Link has a knack for style and helps her co-workers feel good inside and outside.

"She has taught us some fashion tips and she will gladly do our hair if we need it, if you are going out or have a special event," Johnson said. "She'll take her break time to help us look the best we can so it's a great morale booster."

"It's the part of I get to be of service, God asks us to be of service whatever that service may be, if it's doing someone's hair so they have a fabulous day or giving a kid a cracker and saying 'OK, what's going on buddy?' it's to be of service," said Link.

Link hopes that sense of service will be an example to others.

"My favorite saying in the world, and all the kids will say it is, 'be the change you want to see in the world', that starts with us, so I get to the change in this little office I get to be part of the change," she said.