Looking to give back to students and the community, Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES school nurse Shelby Chindamo has found her calling in the medical field.

Chindamo primarily works with the CTE and Compass programs on main campus but can also be found working with the special education students, or even in component school districts.

“We have a collaborative environment here,” Chindamo said. “Everyone helps everyone.”

Chindamo started her career after college working with people with special needs. Through that work she received her medical certification and found her passion for the medical field. She decided to investigate nursing programs and received her licensed practical nursing (LPN) degree through Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES. 

“I decided to try the BOCES program a million moons ago, and I loved it,” Chindamo said.

She then did part-time agency work while raising her children, but returned to BOCES four years ago. When the pandemic hit, BOCES needed another nurse to help meet the day-to-day changes associated with COVID protocols. Chindamo knew professionals like her were needed.

“One of my favorite parts of the job is every day is different. You just never know what you’re going to get,” Chindamo said. “I’m not locked into one type of nursing. It never gets boring.”

Her day can range from doing vision and hearing screenings, to helping students with routine medications, to a variety of emergency situations. 

“I love busy. This is a busy job and working with the kids is terrific,” Chindamo said.

When she is not working, Chindamo enjoys walking, practicing yoga, reading and boating.

There are 17 nurses that work in a variety of positions throughout Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES. Those positions include nursing instructors at the adult and high school levels, 1:1 LPNs throughout component districts, and school nurses.