District Nurse Earns Life Saving Statewide Recognition

In March, district nurse Yolanda Sommers received the prestigious “Save a Life” Award from the School Nurse Organization of Washington (SNOW), recognizing her swift and courageous action in saving the life of a grandparent who was picking up a student during school dismissal last December. Yolanda's quick thinking and skillful response during a cardiac emergency earned her this well-deserved recognition.

In a letter to Sommers, SNOW President Sonja Bookter stated, “The purpose of the Save a Life Award is to publicly recognize a School Nurse who utilized lifesaving skills to save the life of a community member. School Nurses are critical links in the chain of survival, and your practice exemplifies outstanding skill and service.”

Sommers, who was nominated by a colleague within the Puyallup School District, was honored at SNOW’s annual virtual conference. Stewart Elementary Principal Audra Goodman also provided support during the emergency.

Michelle Oliver, the district’s Director of Health Services, praised Sommers’ quick-thinking and decisive action. “With out-of-hospital cardiac arrests having such a low survival rate, we are incredibly thankful for Yolanda’s heroic efforts and the positive outcome that resulted from her actions.”