July 20, 2023

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President's Message

We have had a busy few weeks with In-Person NASN2023, then Virtual NASN2023, and finally Virtual Hill Days this week. I hope you contacted your Member of Congress and Senators to let them know how vitally important school nurses are.


School nurses are the essential bridge between the healthcare and education systems, serving as frontline healthcare providers. We act as public health sentinels, not only for schools but also for our communities. For under-resourced communities, the school nurse may be the only healthcare provider a child sees.


I look forward to working with you this year to raise the profile of school nurses across the country!

Kate King, DNP, MS, RN, LSN

NASN President

Better Health. Better Learning.™ 

NASN News and Highlights

Virtual Hill Days Help Advocate

for More School Nurses

NASN's Virtual Hill Days took place this week from July 18-20. Participation in Virtual Hill Days can help create momentum and support for the NURSE Act, reintroduced on May 10, 2023, National School Nurse Day. This legislation aims to help ensure a school nurse is present in every school all day, every day.


However, if you didn't have time to join us this week, we encourage you to look at the Virtual Hill Days Toolkit and contact your representatives at another time. Advocacy must happen continually to make a difference!

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Impact of School Nurses on Firearm Injuries and Deaths

The increasing incidents of school shootings in recent years have resulted in America’s students, teachers, and staff feeling vulnerable. In the NASN School Nurse July podcast, NASN School Nurse Editor, Cynthia Galemore, interviews Laurie Combe and Robin Cogan about the article "School Nurses Can Reduce Firearm Injuries and Deaths." The article reviews data on school-located gun violence through a public health lens, as well as outlines a framework for levels of prevention, including downstream, midstream, and upstream strategies. Listen to the podcast.

Reduce Potential Opioid Overdose Deaths in K-12 Schools

School communities are not immune to the alarming increase in opioid-related deaths in the US in the past decade. The NASN School Nurse article Action Plan and Model to Reduce Potential Opioid Overdose Deaths on K-12 Campuses shares how a middle school in New York State, beginning in the late fall of 2022, successfully implemented a program to reduce the likelihood of opioid overdose deaths in their building through expansion of the accessibility of and education and training in the use of naloxone, an opioid antagonist.


NASN membership includes a subscription to NASN School Nurse, and you can sign up for New Content alerts.

The following is a paid advertisement

School Nurse Provides Nurse-Chosen Products for Student Health Management


School Nurse, a division of Pocket Nurse®, offers thousands of nurse-curated products to manage K-12 student wellness. Products ship FAST, including first aid supplies, teaching tools, CPR/AED trainers, infection control items, and much more.


Learn More

School Nurses in the News

This section highlights news stories featuring NASN and school nurses. If you have a story about school nurses you'd like us to consider including, please send it to us.

NASN 2023 Assessment and Evaluation

To receive the Certificate of Completion and be awarded Nursing Continuing Professional Development (NCPD) contact hours for both In-Person and Virtual NASN2022 sessions, complete the assessments and evaluations. You can choose the event and the day of the session to locate assessments and evaluations for activities on that day. You can also find the syllabus for each event and instructions to complete NCPD there. The deadline to earn NCPD for both events is October 12, 2023.


Managing Chronic Health Conditions

Toolkit Highlights Ways to Support Students with Epilepsy

School nurses play a critical role in supporting students with epilepsy to increase their self-management, address physical and social needs, and provide the training to help them progress through school and into adulthood. NASN's new Supporting Students with Epilepsy: A Toolkit for School Nurses draws primarily on the key NASN Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice principle and practice components of care coordination, along with elements of leadership, quality improvement, public health, and standards of practice, to provide nurses with a comprehensive guide for implementing transition planning and school-based seizure care.

  • Visit NASN's Epilepsy page to learn about NASN's Coordinated Support System for Students with Epilepsy program and discover more epilepsy resources.

Improving School Community & Student Health

CDC Resources to Encourage Routine Vaccinations for Back to School


As kids return to school, you can remind families of the benefits of routine vaccinations. The CDC has launched a nationwide "Back-to-School" campaign to encourage families to prioritize vaccinations and ensure a healthy start to the school year.


Help Improve the Future of Pediatric Nursing


The Institute of Pediatric Nursing (IPN), a committee of the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB), is seeking feedback from pediatric nursing professionals like you. The 2023 Future of Pediatric Nursing Survey is anonymous and aims to understand the challenges nurses face and identify available support. The outcomes of this research will drive collaboration and innovation to address the needs of the pediatric-focused workforce. Complete the survey by Friday, August 4.

Preparing College-Bound Teens for Mental Wellness

Join the Families for Depression Awareness webinar How Parents Can Prepare College-Bound Teens for Mental Wellness on Thursday, August 3, 2023, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM ET, to help recognize mental health risks, discover strategies to promote mental wellness and identify mental health resources available to college-bound teens. Learn more and register.

Improving the Number of Children Receiving Dental Sealants

Join the National Network for Oral Health Access and partners for the webinar Increasing the Proportion of Children and Adolescents Who Have Dental Sealants on 1 or More Molars on August 30, 2023, at 1 pm ET. The webinar will focus on evidence-based solutions to improving the number of children and adolescents receiving dental sealants, especially in vulnerable and underserved populations. Learn more and register.

July Is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month



An estimated 300,000 children in the U.S. (1 in 250 kids) are affected by some form of Juvenile Arthritis. This illness has a distinct impact on both the physical and emotional well-being of children, often leading to severe pain and feelings of isolation or sadness.


Mark Your Calendar

NASN2023 Deadline to Earn NCPD for Both

In-Person and Virtual


October 12


NASN encourages you to evaluate activities while the information is fresh in your mind.


Steps to receive NCPD contact hours.


Save the Date: NASN2024 Call for Presentations


Submission Site Opens: August 16


NASN invites you to submit an oral or poster presentation for In-Person or Virtual NASN2024! 


Access the information and guidelines.

State Associations of School Nurses' Conferences

  • Save the Date: Colorado Association of School Nurses 2023 Fall Conference - Mastering Self-Efficacy: A Key to School Nursing Success - November 3-5, 2023. Learn more


  • Save the Date: West Virginia Association of School Nurses 2023 Fall Conference - November 9-11, 2023. Learn more


  • Indiana Association of School Nurses Conference 2023 - THE TIME IS NOW - November 15-16, 2023. Learn more and Register

NASN Calendar of Events


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


NASN CALENDAR

National Health Observances Calendar


This calendar lists special days, weeks, or months dedicated to raising awareness about important health topics. Access the 2023 calendar. 

OBSERVANCES CALENDAR

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