Andrés Reina Barranco, nurse at Elian’s
We’re delighted to welcome Andrés, our new school nurse to Elian’s! His role is key in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all our students throughout the school day. Read on to get to know him better:
What is your main role as a nurse at Elian’s?
My main responsibility is to care for the health and wellbeing of the students. This includes immediate attention in case of any medical incident, and working on preventative healthcare and health education.
What does a typical day at school look like for you?
Every day is different. I usually start
What type of medical situations do you attend to most frequently?
The most common cases are minor injuries, dizziness, abdominal pain, sudden fevers, or colds. I also monitor students with prescribed medication and supervise cases of food allergies.
In what ways do you work alongside teachers and families to care for the students’ health?
I maintain constant communication. Teachers are usually the first to notice when a student feels unwell and they inform me immediately. With families, I always keep them updated when a student requires a follow-up or treatment, and together we decide on the best measures to support their care.
Prevention and wellbeing
What disease prevention measures are applied at the school?
We promote hand hygiene, proper classroom ventilation, and outbreak control in the event of contagious diseases. We also reinforce hygiene routines and healthy habits from Early Years upward.
How do you help students develop healthy habits in their daily life?
Through simple, engaging discussions, and above all, by setting an example. I remind them of the importance of staying hydrated, resting, eating a balanced diet, and exercising.
How important are awareness campaigns in your work?
They’re essential. They resolve health anxieties and create collective awareness. When students understand the reasons behind a healthy habit, it’s easier for them to integrate it into their routine.
Special cases
How do you manage care for students with chronic illnesses or allergies?
Cada alumno tiene un plan individualizado. Conozco sus necesidades específicas y me coordino tanto con profesores como con el comedor y las familias para garantizar su seguridad y bienestar.Each student has an individual care plan. I know their specific needs and coordinate with teachers, the dining hall, and families to guarantee their safety and wellbeing.¿Qué protocolo se sigue en caso de accidente o emergencia en el centro?What is the protocol in case of an accident or emergency at school?Se activa un protocolo claro: atención inmediata en la enfermería, llamada a los servicios de emergencia si es necesario, y aviso inmediato a la familia. También mantenemos un registro detallado del incidente.A clear protocol is followed: immediate attention in the infirmary, calling emergency services if necessary, and promptly informing the family. We also keep a detailed record of each incident.¿Qué papel tienes en la coordinación con el comedor escolar?What role do you play in coordinating with the school dining hall?Trabajo mano a mano con el equipo de comedor para asegurar que los menús se adapten a alergias o intolerancias. Reviso menús, hago seguimiento y estoy disponible para resolver dudas.I work closely with the dining team to ensure that menus are adapted to allergies or intolerances. I review menus, monitor students, and remain available to answer any questions.Experiencia personalPersonal experience¿Qué es lo que más disfrutas de trabajar en un colegio como Elian’s?What do you enjoy most about working in a school like Elian’s?El contacto diario con los alumnos. Ver cómo confían en mí, cómo me cuentan sus preocupaciones y cómo aprenden a cuidar de sí mismos.The daily contact with the students. Seeing how they trust me, how they share their concerns, and how they learn to take care of themselves.¿Qué retos encuentras en tu trabajo y cómo los afrontas?What challenges do you face in your work and how do you handle them?El mayor reto es atender simultáneamente lo urgente y lo preventivo. Lo gestiono organizándome bien, priorizando, y apoyándome en la coordinación con el resto del equipo educativo.The greatest challenge is balancing urgent care with preventive work. I manage this by staying organised, setting priorities, and relying on coordination with the rest of the educational team.¿Tienes alguna anécdota especial que recuerdes con cariño?Do you have any special anecdote you remember fondly?De momento llevo poco tiempo, pero sé que tendré muchas anécdotas más adelante.I’ve only been here a short time, but I’m sure I will soon have many memorable anecdotes in the futureMirando al futuroLooking ahead¿Qué proyectos o mejoras te gustaría impulsar en el área de salud escolar?What projects or improvements would you like to promote in the area of school health?Me gustaría ampliar los programas de educación en primeros auxilios para alumnos y profesores, y reforzar la salud emocional con talleres prácticos.I would like to expand first aid education programmes for students and teachers, and strengthen emotional health with practical workshops.¿Qué consejo darías a las familias para apoyar el bienestar de sus hijos desde casa?What advice would you give families to support their children’s wellbeing at home?Que fomenten rutinas estables de descanso, alimentación equilibrada y actividad física, y que mantengan una comunicación abierta para que los niños se sientan seguros al expresar cómo se sienten.Encourage stable routines of rest, balanced nutrition, and physical activity, and maintain open communication so that children feel safe expressing how they feel.https://es.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?search=alimentaci%C3%B3n+equilibradatitle=Especial%3ABuscarns0=1ns100=1ns104=1https://es.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?search=alimentaci%C3%B3n+equilibradatitle=Especial%3ABuscarns0=1ns100=1ns104=1Con esta entrevista, hemos podido conocer mejor a Andrés y descubrir su gran implicación en el cuidado y acompañamiento de nuestros alumnos. Con su llegada, Elian’s refuerza su compromiso con la salud escolar, creando un entorno seguro y saludable donde crecer y aprender cada día.We hope you’ve enjoyed meeting Andrés and finding out more about his dedication to the care and support of our students. With his arrival, we are reinforcing our commitment to our students’ well being, creating a safe and healthy environment where our children can flourish.
Each student has an individual care plan. I know their specific needs and coordinate with teachers, the dining hall, and families to guarantee their safety and wellbeing.
What is the protocol in case of an accident or emergency at school?
A clear protocol is followed: immediate attention in the infirmary, calling emergency services if necessary, and promptly informing the family. We also keep a detailed record of each incident.
What role do you play in coordinating with the school dining hall?
I work closely with the dining team to ensure that menus are adapted to allergies or intolerances. I review menus, monitor students, and remain available to answer any questions.
Personal experience
What do you enjoy most about working in a school like Elian’s?
The daily contact with the students. Seeing how they trust me, how they share their concerns, and how they learn to take care of themselves.
What challenges do you face in your work and how do you handle them?
The greatest challenge is balancing urgent care with preventive work. I manage this by staying organised, setting priorities, and relying on coordination with the rest of the educational team.
Do you have any special anecdote you remember fondly?
I’ve only been here a short time, but I’m sure I will soon have many memorable anecdotes in the future
Looking ahead
What projects or improvements would you like to promote in the area of school health?
I would like to expand first aid education programmes for students and teachers, and strengthen emotional health with practical workshops.
What advice would you give families to support their children’s wellbeing at home?
Encourage stable routines of rest, balanced nutrition, and physical activity, and maintain open communication so that children feel safe expressing how they feel.
We hope you’ve enjoyed meeting Andrés and finding out more about his dedication to the care and support of our students. With his arrival, we are reinforcing our commitment to our students’ well being, creating a safe and healthy environment where our children can flourish.
