Schools

6 Questions for CUSD's District Nurse

Julia Hart-Lawson administers vision and hearing screenings, handles medically fragile students, educates staff on food allergies, trains on the use of epi-pens, and helps to ensure vaccination compliance.

From her earliest years, District Nurse Julia Hart-Lawson, RN, MA, wanted to be a nurse. However, as an 18-year-old nursing assistant in a hospital, she encountered a co-worker who did not have the bedside manner. So, Julie decided to pursue teaching instead. Then, two decades after her unpleasant experience, Julie returned to her first love and became an RN.

Nurse Hart-Lawson came to Carlsbad Unified School District in 2007 after serving ten years at San Diego Unified. She oversees the 12 site Health Techs who together serve all 11,000 CUSD students.  

Recently, CUSD interviewed Hart-Lawson to find out more about what makes her so special:

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What do you like best about your job?

Hart-Lawson: My Health Techs! Each is so dedicated. The care they give students is phenomenal. I also enjoy educating staff and parents about health issues, including obesity and psychosocial issues that can negatively impact students’ quality of life.

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What is the most common student complaint?

Hart-Lawson: For elementary students, cuts and bruises. For older children, headaches, stomachaches and the like.

How do you stay healthy?

Hart-Lawson: I’m in the pool by 4:30 am, swimming 1-1/2 miles three times a week.

What was your first car?

Hart-Lawson: A ’64 Karmann Ghia. It had been my grandmother’s car. I drove it back and forth from my home in Redlands to college in Oregon. It was a great car. My daughter Makenna, a CHS senior, plans to go away to college. I’d never let her drive back and forth as I did; it’s far too dangerous!

What do you do when you’re not working?

Hart-Lawson: Work! I work part-time as a hospice admissions RN. I also volunteer at the Carlsbad Boys and Girls Club waterproofing local kids.

Tell us something people may not know about you.

Hart-Lawson: In college, I minored in Theatre and Music. I performed professionally until I met my husband. 

–CUSD


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