Kate Schwehm, who previously worked at Mid Coast hospital, is replacing Lori Grinnell as nurse at Boothbay Region Elementary School.

Schwehm spent four years in the labor and delivery department, and last year switched to the dialysis department as a night nurse. (Grinnell is now working as a full-time RN at the St. Andrews Urgent Care Center in Boothbay Harbor.)

“The opportunity came up very suddenly, and I had been looking for a change,” Grinnell said. “I will miss the children very much and have made wonderful friends at the school — friendships I very much hope to continue.”

Schwehm has subbed for Grinnell over the years during her few absences, and years ago worked as an ed tech for third and fourth grade in the school. When Grinnell retired from the school, Schwehm says she got a “slew” of emails telling her the position was open.

“It's perfect,” Schwehm said. “I was burnt out working nights, I never got to see my husband (Chip Schwehm, who teaches at Boothbay Region High School). Everyone said they missed me and I should apply. The best part is seeing everyone again.”

“The hardest part would be figuring out how to keep track of everything,” Schwehm said. “At the hospital everything is electronic, you type in a name and the file pops up. Here it's an old-fashioned file cabinet with every student from preschool to seniors (and Southport Central as well) with immunizations, allergies, etc.”

Schwehm moved to Boothbay 19 years ago, and loved her time teaching at BRES.

“All the students I used to teach are in high school now,” she said. “The kids are the best part of this job.”

Schwehm got her degree in nursing from the University of Southern Maine's accelerated program, meant for students who already had completed a bachelor's degree (her other one is in psychology).

Schwehm invites all parents and students to feel free to stop by her office and introduce themselves.

“I'm available, and love to meet people,” Schwehm said.