For Sarah Fridley, the journey from the fast-paced urgency of an emergency room nurse in the Navy to the steady, community-centered role of a school nurse at Ocean Lakes High School was both a career shift and a personal mission. After years of high-stakes medical work and a demanding schedule, Fridley sought to spend more time with her family while still making a meaningful impact. In January 2023, she found that perfect balance at Ocean Lakes.
A Different Kind of Mission
Fridley’s path to Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) began after her military service. Having been stationed at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, she fell in love with the Hampton Roads area. Her decision to become a school nurse was sparked by conversations with a friend whose mother had worked as a school nurse in the district. Her move from the ER to the school clinic meant leaving behind 12-hour shifts and night work for a more stable, family-friendly schedule.
“I think something that I now know that I really love about working at a school is the community aspect that you just really can’t get in the hospital,” Fridley shared.
Finding Community and Making a Difference
Unlike the hospital environment, where nurses often have only brief, task-focused interactions with patients, school nursing allows Fridley to build lasting connections. These connections are not only with her colleagues but also with the students she cares for every day.
“Kids really need places that they feel like they are safe and seen and heard,” Fridley explained. “Our clinic is able to be one of those spaces.”
This supportive atmosphere extends beyond the clinic walls. As Fridley walks the hallways each morning, she is greeted by teachers, security staff, administrators, and students alike, a daily ritual that energizes her and reminds her of the tight-knit community she has become part of.
“My favorite part of the day is when I walk into school in the morning… everyone’s just saying hello — teachers, security, students, the administrators — and that just makes you feel so good,” she said, highlighting the sense of belonging that she treasures at Ocean Lakes.
For Fridley, the most rewarding part of her job is the impact she has on the lives of her students. She described how her clinic often serves as a safe haven for students who need a break from the pressures of high school life, whether they come in for medical attention or simply a moment of calm.
“It might not be the easiest thing to work with kids, but I do think it’s the most important thing that we can do,” Fridley said. “You see students who maybe just need someone to talk to or a place to decompress, and it’s incredibly rewarding to provide that.”
A Day in the Life
Fridley’s typical day is a blend of planned tasks and unpredictable challenges. She starts each morning by checking in with her clinic assistants and reviewing any parent emails, doctor’s notes, or medical orders that have come in. In addition to handling daily student visits, she administers medications to students with chronic health conditions and responds to on-site emergencies. Her role also includes participation in student support meetings, where she collaborates with staff and administrators to ensure students receive the care they need.
Why Others Should Consider a Career in VBCPS
For those thinking about a career in public education, Fridley has a clear message: “They should do it.” She believes that working with students, though sometimes challenging, is one of the most meaningful careers one can have.
“I think it’s crucial that we have wonderful, caring people in the schools, in these roles that can set these students up for the rest of their lives,” Fridley said.
Are you looking for a career that offers community, balance, and the chance to truly make a difference? VBCPS offers opportunities to shape futures—and grow yours.
Explore opportunities, meet our team, and apply today at www.vbschools.com/careers.