November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month. NASN's Coordinated Support System for Students with Epilepsy (CSSSE) program will increase the capacity of school nurses to serve as the linchpins supporting the needs of students with epilepsy during school and as they transition out of high school. Please see the numerous free evidence-based resources, toolkits, and training on our CSSSE webpage to help decrease stigma and spread epilepsy awareness in your school community! 

Paid advertisement

Related Resources: The CDC supports valuable training, guidance, and resources to help school nurses care for students with epilepsy. Learn more and explore a complete list of CDC’s offerings for school nurses.

The program Vaccinations for School-Aged Children: An Opportunity for Health Promotion, Collaboration, and Family Engagement, initially presented as a webinar and hosted by NASN, CDC, and Alliance for a Healthier Generation, is now available in the NASN learning center. This free educational activity provides an overview of the current state of national school vaccination coverage, the 2024 child and adolescent immunization schedule, the role of the school nurse as a community leader in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases, actionable resources for school health staff, and lessons learned and promising practices for increasing school vaccination coverage.

NASN invites nominations for Fellow and Honorary Fellow of the National Academy of School Nursing. Achieving the title of Fellow represents exceptional accomplishments and invaluable contributions to NASN and the school nursing profession. The Honorary Fellow award recognizes outstanding leaders from non-nursing backgrounds who are dedicated contributors passionately supporting the NASN Vision. Don't miss this opportunity to honor those who shape the future of school nursing and whose impact champions student health, safety, and learning. Submit your nominations by November 30!

The following are paid advertisements

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.

• Elementary School Staff Credited With Saving Driver’s Life After Medical Emergency, Crash (Source: wgntv.com)
• Patti Johnson Named 2024 School Nurse Administrator of the Year (Source: willmarradio.com)
• Sutton School Employee Spotlight: Valerie Lemieux (Source: kingdomeast.org)
• The Hannibal School Board is Looking into Nurses' Salaries (Source: youtube.com)
• Healthier Lives at School and Beyond Initiative Helps Keep Students in the Classroom (Source: ecuhealth.org)

A safe and supportive school environment must exist for students with T1D, optimally positioning them for academic success. NASN's School Nursing Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: Students with Type 1 Diabetes provides evidence-based recommendations to assist school nurses in improving the health and safety of school-age children with T1D—this toolkit helps you implement those recommendations. 

Related Resources: The educational offering The American Diabetes Association's (ADA) New Resources for Keeping Students with Diabetes Safe at School is now free for NASN members in the NASN Learning Center! (Initially presented at Virtual NASN2023.) Providing an overview of ADA's school training resources for school nurses and other school health personnel, suggestions for how to use these resources to train non-clinical school staff and support best practices in the care and management of children with diabetes in the school setting, this program offers participants 1.0 NCPD contact hour upon completion.

The AAP, in partnership with Food Allergy Research and Education, is launching a Microgrant opportunity to Strengthen Food Allergy Management in Schools and OST Settings. Up to 10 microgrants, each worth up to $10,000, are available to qualified applicants. School districts and OST Programs are eligible to apply by November 15.

School nurses play a vital role in their schools and communities. However, the work can be mentally and emotionally demanding. In the NCPD program, Wellness for School Nurses: Practical Strategies for Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout, initially presented at Virtual NASN2023, and now in the NASN Learning Center, you will learn to recognize signs of burnout, explore self-care strategies, and enhance your understanding of the importance of creating a culture of support and collaboration. Free for NASN members!

School nurses are trusted partners in the community and can remind families that Medicare Open Enrollment runs Oct. 15 – Dec. 7. Medicare plans change from one year to the next. In 2025, all Medicare prescription drug plans will include a yearly $2,000 out-of-pocket cap and the option to choose to spread out out-of-pocket prescription drug costs over the calendar year. Learn more and spread the word.

Join the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD), Child Trends, Mental Health America, and other partners on November 7, 12-3 PM ET, for an afternoon of professional development for state, school district, and school staff working to support and advance school employee wellness efforts. See the agenda and register today! 

GENYOUth Insights elevates youth voices through original research on some of Gen Z’s health and wellness concerns. This report, packed with revealing insights from their nationwide survey of middle and high school students, sheds light on the growing physical inactivity crisis among American youth. It presents insights into why youth are not engaged in physical activity while also delivering valuable, actionable intelligence around the barriers to participation in physical activity and the changes students themselves suggest for improving engagement.

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.