The April issue of The Journal of School Nursing (JOSN) features a guest editorial and several research articles. Here are a few highlights:

• Development of a School Health Policy Implementation Survey: A Delphi Study 

• Mental Health Screenings: Practices and Patterns of These and Other Health Screenings in U.S. School Districts 

Paid advertisement

• A Qualitative Exploration of School Nurse Continuing Education Needs

Save the date for the Asthma and Your Environment: A Learn More Breathe Better® Webinar on April 17 at 1 PM ET. Guest speakers, including NASN's Rodney La Point, will discuss asthma management in schools, workplaces, homes, and urban environments.

Health is affected by the places we live, work, learn, and play. Lung health is no exception! Register for the webinar.

Vote now to help choose tomorrow's NASN leaders. Cast your vote before midnight Eastern on April 15, 2024. You can vote online or request a paper ballot. Meet the candidates and access the online ballot.

(NASN members with the Active membership type are eligible to vote.)

The following is a paid advertisement

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.

• The Relentless School Nurse: Iowa School Nurse of 2024, Wendy Donald, Has a Message of Belonging for All of Us! (Source: relentlessschoolnurse.com)
• District School Nurse Named Pennsylvania School Nurse of the Year (Source: philasd.org)
• School Hikes Pay for Nurses, Staff (Source: observertoday.com)
• DPI's Louise Wilson Selected National Academy of School Nursing Fellow (Source: dpi.wi.gov)
• Opinion | Health and Academics Are Connected (Source: bridgemi.com)
• 17-Year-Old Long Island Boy Who Suffered Stroke Says High School Staff Helped Save His Life (Source: cbsnews.com)
• Cornyn, Sinema, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Improve Schools’ Access to Mental Health Grants (Source: cornyn.senate.gov)
• School Health Workers: MUSD in a Staffing Crisis (Source: hidesertstar.com)
• 123 Leading Organizations Urge President Biden: Act Now to Eliminate Menthol Cigarettes (Source: tobaccofreekids.org)

The continuation of safe, quality, equitable care for all students with healthcare needs is essential for supporting positive health and academic outcomes so that all students have equal opportunities to attain their full potential. NASN believes that healthcare transition (HCT) planning and implementation for all students with healthcare needs should be a well-coordinated process that occurs whenever a student moves into, through, or out of a school setting. 

As a vital member of the interprofessional school-based team, school nurses are ideally situated to provide expertise, leadership, and care coordination for students during HCT. NASN is pleased to offer two no-cost NCPD programs and a toolkit to help you understand your role in HCT coordination for students with lupus and epilepsy.

1. Transition for Students with Epilepsy: The Role of the School Nurse Panel Presentation
2. Pediatric to Adult Care Transition for Students with Lupus – The School Nurse Role in Care Coordination and Transition Planning
3. Supporting Students with Epilepsy: A Transition Toolkit for School Nurses

AFT and the University of California, Irvine, are conducting an online survey to learn more about perceptions of reporting to Child Protective Services. They want to hear from school nurses; your opinion is valuable even if you haven't reported to CPS. Participants will be entered into a drawing to receive one of 65 Target, Staples, or Bookshop gift cards for $15. Get more information, participate in the study, and invite other school nurses to participate, too. 

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month (NCAPM). Prevention and management of child maltreatment are critical to the physical and emotional development of all youth. There are actions we can take at all levels to address the root causes of maltreatment and provide meaningful support. Visit the NCAPM campaign page for prevention resources and outreach tools in English and Spanish.

Related Resources:

• NASN Position Statement: Prevention and Management of Child Maltreatment.
• Free access NASN School Nurse article: School Nurses on the Front Lines of Healthcare: Red Flags and Red Herrings: Improving the Recognition of Bruises and Burns Associated With Physical Abuse in School-Age Children
• NASN NCPD program: Daddy Hurt My Neck & Then I Talked Like a Duck; Recognizing Strangulation in Children (Free for NASN members!)

Parents and caregivers are invited to participate in a collaborative research study to learn about children's and caregivers' video gaming behaviors and spending habits. The survey will also discuss family interactions and possible psychological and behavioral health concerns. You can learn more and share with families in your school communities.

Systematic review evidence from the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) shows anti-bullying interventions in schools can reduce perpetration and victimization and improve mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

Learn more.

Related Resources: NASN Position Statement: Prevention and Intervention of Bullying and Cyberbullying in Schools

NASN Calendar of Events

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

National Health Observances Calendar

This calendar lists special days, weeks, or months dedicated to raising awareness about important health topics. Access the 2024 calendar. 

Acceptance of advertising on the top or bottom ad banner or other ad placements in this newsletter or resource information listed within in no way implies endorsement of advertised or listed products or services by NASN.

No endorsement is intended or implied.