CCPS school nurse Kali Tiley obtains national certification

CAROLINE COUNTY — At the Caroline County Board of Education’s November 4 meeting, Federalsburg Elementary School nurse Kali Tiley was recognized for achieving a major professional milestone: passing the National Certification Examination for School Nurses. The recognition was presented by Jen Yost, Supervisor of Health Services for Caroline County Public Schools.

Tiley has served as Federalsburg Elementary’s school nurse for a handful of years. Yost said, “She joined us in 2021 at the height of COVID with all the rules and contact tracing, and she probably wondered what she got herself into.” Despite those early challenges, Yost said Tiley “found her niche.” Yost added that Tiley is known for her professionalism and compassion toward students and staff alike.

The National Certification for School Nurses represents the highest professional credential in the specialty practice of school nursing. According to CCPS, “the board certification in school nursing is formal recognition of advanced knowledge, competence and personal commitment to excellence in the specialty practice of school nursing.” Earning the certification requires passing a 200-question examination that validates a nurse’s clinical experience, education, and knowledge of school health care.

Yost noted that Tiley’s accomplishment is particularly noteworthy because she is the first school nurse in Caroline County to achieve this national certification. “She enjoys school nursing, and we enjoy having her, and we appreciate her professionalism and her commitment to the students of Caroline County Public Schools,” Yost said.

Board President Michelle Wayman also extended her congratulations, emphasizing Tiley’s impact beyond her professional achievements. “On behalf of the Board, we say congratulations. Not just on your achievement, though, but on how much you love the children at Federalsburg and how much they love you,” Wayman said.

Tiley said she is “lucky” to be at Federalsburg, to which Superintendent Derek Simmons responded, “We’re thrilled to have you there.”