Zeeland - Unlike a co-worker who was fired for refusing, Roosevelt Elementary School Special Ed teacher's aide Pam Michielsen took training to learn how to inject insulin into students.
But she says she still doesn't feel qualified.
"No, not at all," she says. "I am scared."
Pam Michielsen says she took the 40 minute training because she was given an ultimatum by administrators in the Zeeland School District.
Get trained and agree to inject children or lose her job.
"Yes, I was forced," she says.
Co-worker Laurie Jordan says she was given the same "do it or else" ultimatum.
But she is afraid of needles and would not train or agree to inject diabetic children, so she was fired.
"I don't feel like I can give injections," says Jordan. "I feel bullied and betrayed. I'd worked there for 10 years as a faithful and loyal employee."
There is almost no public support for the decision to fire Jordan for her fear of needles.
Hundreds of viewers have sent e-mails to WZZM13.com and all but a few are calling for her reinstatement.
"I've received a lot of encouragement from teachers, parents and even a lot of students," says Jordan.
"I personally haven't talked to one person who thought it was right," says Michielsen.
Because of public criticism, the school district is now looking for health care professionals to come in and give the insulin injections.
"Meeting with hospitals in the area to work out a plan," says Zeeland School District spokesman Jim Camenga.
Pam Michielsen says that is a good idea because she doesn't feel very capable after just 40 minutes of training.
"I've heard if you give too much it can be fatal," she says. "That scares me. I can't see how a parent could be comfortable with having someone who wasn't qualified and who really didn't want to do it or was afraid to do it."
Phil Dawson