5 minutes with Amber Tate, RN, Creston school nurse

AGE: 30

HOMETOWN: Originally from Cromwell; now Afton

FAMILY: Husband, Mike; two children, Natalee, 9, and Nolan, 8; two stepchildren, Kylie, 15, and Tyler, 12

EDUCATION: Creston High School graduate and nursing degree from Southwestern Community College

WHAT IS YOUR WORK WEEK LIKE? My days are split up among the Early Childhood Center, Creston High School and St. Malachy. It's kind of crazy because Jodi (Johnson), the full-time elementary/middle school nurse, and I will cover each other's schools also.

WHEN DID YOU START AS A CRESTON SCHOOL NURSE? This is my first year.

BEST PART OF YOUR JOB: The kids. It's the simple things that make them feel better. If they bump their head and you give them an ice pack, they'll love you forever.

MOST DIFFICULT PART OF YOUR JOB: Trying to help students who don't have the best home environment

MOST COMMON AILMENT YOU TREAT: Bumps, bruises and falls

STRANGEST AILMENT OR INJURY YOU'VE DEALT WITH: A rock in an ear

HOW OFTEN DO STUDENTS FAKE SICK? Oh, pretty often. Some just want a cracker because they're getting really hungry before lunchtime.

BEST EXCUSE OR EXPLANATION FROM A HURT CHILD: The girl who got a rock in her ear, she fell on the playground, and she said the rock just jumped in her ear. Another one was a kindergarten student who fell and bumped her knee. She started with, "Well, I was walking very nicely in the hallway."

ONE THING YOU OFTEN TELL STUDENTS: I always say, "Have a great day." Otherwise, often, it's "You'll get better." It depends on what they're seeing me for.

SUMMER BREAK PLANS: Camping, canoeing and going to the beach with family