The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for Midwestern school districts as they balance their students鈥� education and safety. At the forefront are school nurses, who are responsible for screening kids for COVID-19, notifying parents and even contact tracing. And that鈥檚 on top of their regular duties.

To get a closer look at the issue, Side Effects spoke with Jen BarbouRoske, a nurse at three elementary schools in the Iowa City Community School District. She reflected on the extra challenges her team has faced so far this school year.

This story was produced by, a news collaborative covering public health.

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