Hello! My name is Gail Obringer and I have been a registered nurse for just a little over 6 years. I graduated in 1998 from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology with a focus in human development and family sciences. Following receiving that degree my husband and I moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan for my husband’s employment. Once there, I started a position with the not-for-profit, social service agency, HelpSource. The philosophy and direction that HelpSource followed really spoke to the public service duty that I felt compelled toward. While working at HelpSource I was privileged to be a part of their many offered services, such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, foster care and adoptions, adult daycare, residential treatment for adolescents, addiction counseling services, and even a daily methadone clinic. My experience at HelpSource was invaluable and powered my love of public service even more. It was with a heavy heart that I had to leave my time with HelpSource, as my husband’s employer transferred us back to the Columbus, Ohio area.
Once back in Ohio and after time at home with my children, I decided to take my public service background and transition that into the field of nursing. I graduated in 2013 from Columbus State Community College with an Associate of Science degree in Nursing and then earned my Registered Nurse license. In 2014, I started working as an RN in the long-term healthcare sector while going to school to earn my BSN, which I attained in 2015 from Ohio University. Also during this time, I was an avid volunteer in the Westerville City School District. Volunteering in many of the schools and coordinating and directing an annual elementary school Invention League Invention Convention for four years helped me see that I loved helping students explore their creativity and abilities. It was during that time that I realized I wanted to infuse my career and volunteer experience with students. I am currently working as a Health Aide/Clinic Nurse for Hawthorne Elementary within the Westerville City School District while pursuing a School Nurse Professional Pupil Services Licensure. I am looking forward to transitioning to a Licensed School Nurse with the 2020-2021 school year.
On a more personal note, I live in Westerville, Ohio with my wonderful husband, John, of 21 years. We have two bright and hardworking children, Adam who is 17 and a junior at Westerville North High School and Addison who is almost 14 and an eighth-grader at Walnut Springs Middle School. Last but not least in our family are the loves of all of our lives, our two black labs, Lucy and Maggie.
This portfolio showcases some of the work accomplished on my journey to School Nursing.