Weekly Digest

NASN news & updates

December 4, 2019

President's Message

School nurse workloads have been in the news a lot lately. And I think most school nurses would agree that due to the uniqueness of each school community, a one-size staffing model does not fit all.

The kinds of health problems we’re seeing in schools is changing dramatically. Students with Type 1 Diabetes, seizure disorders, food allergies and other severe allergies that may impact students during the day; students with mental health conditions, disabilities, concussions, gender transitions, tube feedings, all impact a school nurse’s workload. Add in the work school nurses do coordinating health education programs for the entire school and coordinating care between students, parents and doctors, as well as their leadership role advocating for their students’ health and safety.

To assess current staffing safety and articulate staffing needs, NASN encourages school nurses to accurately document and describe their workloads. School nurses are experts in meeting health needs in their school communities, thereby optimizing student attendance and academic achievement.

You can learn more about current school nursing coverage in the U.S. and how school nursing is funded in these infographics from NASN.

Laurie Combe, MN, RN, NCSN

NASN President

BETTER HEALTH. BETTER LEARNING. ™

NASN News and Highlights

NEW Data FAQs

Need clarification regarding what data points to collect for The National School Health Data Set: Every Student Counts!?

Check out a new FAQ page for answers to many of the questions we receive. It is important we all collect data the same way. If you have questions regarding data points please email data.research@nasn.org

Calling all Creative Data Users

Like to make videos or inforgraphics? Or have you done great work using data? Want to win a contest? NASN is sponsoring a media contest related to data. Entries are due January 31, 2020. Link on NASN.org to come!

School Nurses and Their Impact on Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is occurring in various forms across the nation based on the advanced accessibility of technology and social media. Learn how to identify students at risk for human trafficking in your school and community settings.

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FDA’s Plan for Tobacco and Nicotine Regulation

Dr. Callahan-Lyon addresses the multi-year roadmap to better protect youth – with an emphasis on the epidemic of youth e-cigarette use.

Topics to be covered include regulatory policies on addiction, appeal, and cessation; science-based review of tobacco products; and the Youth Tobacco Prevention Plan.

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Flu Prevention Key in National Influenza Vaccination Week

This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week. Join a number of organizations in sharing key messages about the importance of flu prevention in individuals with chronic health conditions using #LowerYourFluRisk, #FightFlu, and #NIVW.

NASN Resources: The Keep Flu Our of Schools Toolkit was created by a partnership with NASN, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and Families Fighting Flu. It is available for school nurses, teachers, and healthcare professionals for use in kindergarten through grade 5. Get the toolkit now.

Managing Chronic Health Conditions

Active Classrooms Week - December 9-13

Active Classrooms Weeks shines a spotlight on the research that shows active students learn better. Join your educator colleagues and check out the home base for the campaign here where you will find a general description and call-to-action. You’ll also see a robust toolkit of materials.

Improving School Community & Student Health

Endometriosis Toolkit Available

With the Endo What? School Nurse Toolkit, you get all the information and resources you need to recognize symptoms of endometriosis, which impacts 1 in 10 girls and women around the world. Get your toolkit today or by emailing shannon@endowhat.org.

National Youth Tobacco Survey -- Disturbing Vaping Results

National Youth Tobacco Survey results show disturbing rates of e-cigarette use among both middle and high school students in 2019, with more than 5 million youth reporting having used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days and nearly one million reporting daily use. Educators play an active role in fighting the youth e-cigarette epidemic. FDA research suggests that when teachers talk about the health consequences of e-cigarettes and schools enforce anti-vaping policies, students may be less likely to use e-cigarettes.

FDA and Scholastic -- New e-Cigarette Resources for Schools

FDA continues to work with Scholastic to develop new youth e-cigarette prevention resources for schools. FDA and Scholastic are expanding their collaboration to launch their first middle school resources in addition to new resources for high schools.

Opportunities & Networking

NASN2020 is Right Around the Corner

Don’t forget to print off your justification toolkit today. Get all of the information you need to share with your employer to gain support for your attendance at NASN2020. NASN wants to see YOU in Vegas!

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Mark Your Calendar

National Handwashing Awareness Week

School Nurses educate students on proper handwashing techniques. Resources are available here.

One Bug, Two Bug, Red Bug, Blue Bug

2 p.m. ET

December 10, 2019

EPA’s Center for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) hosts an ongoing series of webinars featuring experts from across the country relaying educational information and practical strategies for establishing and improving integrated pest management programs. Learn what you can do as the school nurse to alleviate and prevent pests.

NASN Calendar of Events

This calendar includes upcoming events hosted by NASN and NASN affiliate school nurse organizations. Access the calendar.

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National Health Observances Calendar

This calendar lists special days, weeks, or months dedicated to raising awareness about important health topics. Access the 2019 calendar.

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