By Laurie Lechlitner
InkFreeNews
WARSAW — “Becoming a nurse was somewhat of a surprise,” stated Tracey Akers, Warsaw.
“None of my immediate family members are in the healthcare field. In school, I loved science and math, as well as playing volleyball. Anderson (College) University was interested in me playing on the team. They also have an exceptional nursing program. I was lucky enough to play volleyball, earn my nursing degree and meet my husband at Anderson. I believe it’s been God’s calling in my life these 40 years.”
The past 19 years, Akers has been the school nurse at Edgewood Middle School. Since 2010, she’s added the job of nurse coordinator for Warsaw Community Schools.
“I’ve seen so many changes in my 40 years as a nurse, so many medical advancements. We have more life-saving drugs and treatments. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come.”
One of her greatest loves is the area of obstetrics. “I worked at both Kosciusko Community Hospital and then at Warsaw Women’s Center. I loved working in women’s health and helping to deliver babies.”
After a mission trip to Guatemala in 2004, Akers felt a call to be a school nurse. “Things were heartbreaking there. Life is often tough everywhere for children and their parents. I decided that I could help God’s mission in my own community. Our kids need people who care about them and can help them stay healthy.”
A typical day for Akers at Edgewood varies greatly from day to day. “It depends on the needs of the students that day. In my clinic I see kids with scraped knees and illness symptoms. In the last few years, there has been an increase in mental health issues. We have more kids with anxiety and depression. I work closely with the counselors, parents and doctors’ offices. I also spend time assessing needs and giving out medications. My goal is to get students back to class if possible.”
Akers also has a heart for children and families in need. “I helped start the local chapter of Boomerang Backpacks in Warsaw. This program provides food over the weekends. When we started, we were serving about 300 kids. Since I’ve turned it over to the high school staff it has grown. We now have about 700 kids who are given food over the weekend.”
In her job as nurse coordinator, she oversees eight elementaries, two middle schools, the high school and the alternative school. “I am thankful to have a nurse in every building. I coordinate health related screenings and am in charge of finding nursing substitutes if one of the nurses is out.”
Akers loves to see good outcomes in her school nursing career. “We work together so that each student is the best version of themselves.”
Having a husband who is principal of Warsaw Community High School has its perks as well. “My husband Troy and I attend the yearly proms. I love it when we get dressed up and serve as chaperones.”
The Akers have two grown children and a granddaughter, Thea, 5. “Since we live on Chapman Lake, Thea loves to go swimming and fishing with ‘Papaw.’ She and I read books together, sing and play with her dolls.”
The Akers attend Warsaw Community Church. They are fans of the Colts, Pacers and the Ohio State Buckeyes. They love attending sporting events and concerts.
