Public Employee Press

Profile in Public Service
Teamwork makes the dream work

By JOSEPH LOPEZ

Public Health Nurse Ponzela Johnson knows that most New Yorkers don't understand her job.

"Many people think it's about handing out Band-Aids and lollipops," explained Johnson, who works at P.S. 154, the Harriet Tubman Learning Center, in Harlem.

In her experience, a sound knowledge of nursing and a strong team to work with are essential. Because she so well exemplifies these pillars of the profession, the New York City Office of School Health named Johnson Nurse of the Year for 2013.

"I am privileged to receive such an honor," said Johnson, an active member of Local 436. Though it may seem to be an individual achievement, she considers it a collaborative effort of the school and the Harlem community she's worked in for 10 years. "Teamwork makes the dream work!" is a saying she is known for.

The school includes children from pre-K through fifth grade, and Ponzela Johnson is deeply invested in the lives of her students.

"My heart is involved," she said. As a member of the school's Wellness Council, Johnson helps teach the children how to live a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition and exercise.

She keeps the youngsters active with exciting activities like Zoomba Fridays and the "Mighty Mile" program, which pairs pre-K kids with third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders as walking partners and mentors. Students in the program have the chance to earn medals, which induces them to give it their all.

When an emergency arises, such as Superstorm Sandy, Public Health Nurses are called to duty. "We are first-line people when these events happen," Johnson pointed out. As Sandy hit New York City, flooding homes and killing and injuring hundreds, her school became a shelter, and Johnson helped tend to the dozens who arrived sick and wounded.

"This job is public health. That means helping anybody who needs it any way we can," she said. To stay at the top of her game, Johnson keeps current on new developments and studies in the health-care field.

It may sound like she goes above and beyond the requirements of the job, but Ponzela Johnson believes that's the way it should be. "Seeing these kids do their best, it empowers me to always want to do more," she said.