EE: What inspired you to become a school nurse?

Julie Patton: “I taught nursing for 8 years at a local hospital school of nursing which closed when more students were heading to college-based programs instead. School nursing seemed similar to what I had been doing and was a good fit for a mom with two young daughters.”

EE: How long have you been a school nurse?

JP: “This is my 30^th and final year.”

EE: Have you always worked at Tyrone? If not, where else? (as a nurse)

JP: “I worked at Mercy Hospital in Altoona for over 11 years. It later became Bon Secours Hospital and then merged with Altoona/UPMC.”

EE: What is your favorite memory as a nurse?

JP: “It’s pretty hard to pick one memory from that many years, but it was pretty amazing seeing a very ill student get a transplant and become a happy, healthy young lady.”

EE: If you weren’t a nurse right now, what do you think you would have done with your life?

JP: “I had an interest in architecture when I was young but hated physics! Sorry, Mr. Gruber.  More recently, I’ve thought about opening a bake shop.”

EE: Where did you attend high school?

JP: “Bellwood-Antis. I moved there from New York State when I was in 8^th grade.”

EE: Where did you attend college?

JP: “Penn State”

EE: What’s your favorite book?

JP: “Way too many to choose from. I like authors who write books in series – Nora Roberts/JD Robb, James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell.”

EE: What is your favorite sport and sports team?

JP: “Penn State football. I’ve been a season ticket holder for 45 years.”

EE: What are some of your favorite hobbies?

JP: “Quilting, crafts, reading, cooking (especially baking), spending time with my grandkids.”