Unsung Heroes | EMER FINCH
Every school day, there’s someone quietly making sure students are safe, cared for, and sent back to class with a smile. We’re shining a light on Ms. Emer Finch, Nurse and Manager of the NAS Primary Clinic — one of the unsung heroes of our school community.
1. ABOUT YOU
Q1: Where are you from?
Answer: West Galway, Ireland.
Q3: How long have you worked at NAS Dubai?
Answer: 9 years.
Q3: What do you do on your day off?
Answer: I have a son, so I’m usually busy dropping him off to places and taking him to playdates. I like to work out, socialise, and read. I also do reflexology — sometimes with friends!
What’s your hobby?
Answer: I love reading and keeping fit.
2. LIFE IN THE CLINIC
Q1: What is the most challenging part of your job?
Answer: It can get very busy in the clinic, particularly during lunch and break times when the early years fall over and bump their heads. We need to give them immediate attention.
Q2: Do you have any students who fake an illness to miss a lesson or exam?
Answer: Sometimes we have a few regular pre-teens who come in faking illness — we know who they are and are in regular contact with their parents! Their parents tell us to send them back to class. Sometimes the kids just want to get out of their least favourite subject!
Q3: What’s your favourite part of your work?
Answer: I like the variety and seeing all the different kids, especially the little ones — they are so cute. We’ve had a few emergencies where we’ve had to call for ambulances. You never know what you’re going to deal with day to day. I like being busy rather than having a desk job!
3. FUN / RANDOM
Q1: What are the funniest or strangest things you’ve had to deal with?
Answer: We had a student put a dirham coin in his nose on a dare — this was when Secondary and Primary were in the same building. We had to send him to A&E! We’ve also had young children put all sorts of things in their noses.
Q2: Do you like your job?
Answer: Yes, I love my job! Each day is different, especially dealing with children of all ages.
