Responder Of The Week: Ruby Romero, BSN, RN

This week’s Responder of the Week is Ruby Romero, a registered nurse who serves Grant County as a school nurse and plays a vital role at the intersection of health and education.

Romero is a graduate of Ulysses High School and knew early on her future would be centered on helping others. As she weighed career paths, her top choices included teaching, social work, and nursing. Ultimately, nursing became the path she chose — one she says has been both rewarding and fulfilling. She earned her Registered Nursing degree from Seward County in 2011 and went on to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fort Hays State University in December 2023.

She began her nursing career at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital, working in labor and delivery as well as surgery. Later, she transitioned to the clinic setting, where she continued to build her experience before stepping into school nursing in 2017.

Romero notes school nursing is a unique and often misunderstood profession. Moving from a hospital or clinic — where nurses are the majority — into an educational environment where nurses are often the minority brought a new perspective on the profession.

“School nurses can sometimes be the only access students have to healthcare, especially for those who are uninsured,” Romero shared. In addition to treating day-to-day medical needs, school nurses help families navigate the healthcare system, connect with community resources, and provide health education to both staff and students.

She emphasized that school nursing plays a critical role in student success, as medical conditions can directly impact a child’s ability to learn. While much of the work happens quietly behind the scenes, Romero says building relationships with students and watching them grow over the years has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her job. She also expressed appreciation for the support she receives from district administrators and board members who recognize the value school nurses bring to the educational setting.

Outside of work, Romero is married to her high school sweetheart, Rafael Romero. Together they are raising three children — a college freshman, a sixth grader, and a kindergartner. Much of her time away from work is spent supporting her children in their many activities and enjoying time together as a family.

“It has been an honor to serve my community,” Romero said, adding that she looks forward to continuing that service in the years ahead.

Ruby Romero’s dedication, compassion, and commitment to the well-being of students and families make her a deserving recipient of this week’s Responder of the Week recognition