At IDEA, we believe every member of our staff plays a vital role in nurturing and supporting our students—not just academically, but physically and emotionally as well. This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Ms. Violeta Cervantes, one of the incredible healthcare professionals who brings this mission to life every day at IDEA San Juan.

We sat down with Ms. Cervantes, a dedicated Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) from IDEA San Juan to hear her story, her daily experience, and the moments that remind her why her work matters.

What inspired you to become a nurse, and what brought you to IDEA?
“I’ve been an X-ray tech since 2005, always behind the scenes taking images and seeing patients for only a few minutes and not being able to follow up and see their health improve. So, I became a licensed practical nurse to be able to serve in a holistic approach and serve from beginning to end of the patient’s needs. The nature of helping others pushed me to be a nurse.

My dream job was to be a school nurse someday, and the opportunity just came to me as a gift from above. Now I have the blessing to work at my son’s campus.”

What does a “day in the life” look like for you as an LPN at our schools?
“A day in my life as a nurse at IDEA San Juan would be a busy one from start to finish. I get to my clinic, open up the window curtain, and start receiving scholars bright and early, right after breakfast, for their daily medications.

Then clinic visits go on all the way to 3:30—about 50% just want reassurance that they have perfect vital signs or are hungry and request a snack.

In between visits, I have those scholars who give me a hand-heart sign 🫶🏻 through the window, which makes my day even brighter, or they just come to ask for a hug.

I run my reports and set my daily priorities, always making sure everything is compliant and at 100%—from screenings to vaccines, medications in stock, and monthly equipment audits. I call parents to notify them of incidents, illnesses, follow-ups on health conditions, plan of care updates, and requests for refills if needed.

There’s also the unexpected—not-so-often broken bones or medical holds. And I always make time for a quick five-minute check-in with my IDEA friends.

At the end of the day, I make sure my clinic is clean, sanitized, and impeccable for the next day.”

What’s one moment or memory that reminds you why this work matters?
“There are countless moments and memories for me. Every day matters if I can help someone and get them to feel better physically or emotionally.

I want to be there for my scholars daily. I feel the need to help them and advocate for them when needed.

As a healthcare professional, I’ve served many patients for 20 years, which is definitely the most rewarding experience—serving my community with a very humble heart, always putting myself in other people’s shoes.”

Ms. Cervantes’ compassion, dedication, and deep sense of purpose serve as a reminder of how important it is to care for the whole child—body, mind, and heart.

Thank you to all our nurses for being the calm in the storm and the steady hands that help keep our students thriving.