Nicole McCluskey is a new Registered Nurse at Montgomery C. Smith Elementary School. She works with PK-2 students but eventually she will work with students in grades 3-5 after Nurse Boucher retires. She loves her job and is always ready to greet students with a warm smile.
Here are a few things to help you get to know Mrs. McCluskey:
What is your role here at the Hudson City School District, and where do you work?
I am a Registered Nurse (RN) at M.C. Smith Elementary School. Currently I work with students in Pre-Kindergarten up to 2nd grade.
When did you start working here?
I started in October 2021.
What does your job entail? What are your responsibilities/priorities?
I help students who come into the health office with injuries or illnesses. I perform various assessments on students such as height, weight, blood pressure, hearing and vision testing, and COVID-19 testing as needed. I also communicate with teachers and parents daily.
What do you like most about your job?
The hours! There are no 12-hour hospital night shifts.
What is your education background?
I have a bachelor’s degree in Speech Therapy from SUNY Oneonta. I returned to school as an adult learner and received my RN degree at Columbia-Greene Community College.
What is your professional background? What is the most interesting job you’ve ever had
I worked for the New York City Board of Education and Head Start as a Speech Therapist. Before becoming a nurse, I worked as a phlebotomist collecting blood samples.
The most interesting job I’ve had was working on a private yacht for weddings. Watching the captain marry couples over New York Harbor and the New Jersey coastline sunset was breathtaking.
Tell us a bit about your life outside of school.
I’ve been married for 29 years and I have three children, two dogs and one cat. I am an avid knitter and I enjoy gardening, skiing and hiking. I have been volunteering for the past 15 years organizing blood drives through the NY Blood Center.
What is the best advice anyone has given you?
You don’t have to be friends with everyone, but you have to be friendly with everyone. I’ve always told this to my children growing up.
What is your motto or personal mantra?
Always be honest and help people any way you can. Even a smile can make all the difference.