Weekly Digest

NASN news & updates

July 30, 2020

President's Message

As we prepare around the country for a return to school this fall -- in whatever form that may take in your region -- it's clear that school nurses will have an even bigger role.

Last week, NASN released its safer return to school statement, where we stated, "The safety of students and staff must take priority in this decision-making."

Part of that return means that we need to work together to advocate for "sufficient funding ... for the implementation of sanitation and safety protocols, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and the hiring/retention of school nurses to coordinate health and safety procedures." How can you help? You can contact your U.S. Senators with our template letter and request additional funding and school nurses.

There are also a number of resources on the NASN COVID-19 Resources page to help with your role as s school nurse in the return to school.

Laurie Combe, MN, RN, NCSN

NASN President

BETTER HEALTH. BETTER LEARNING. ™

NASN News and Highlights

VSP Sight for Student Program

to Go Live in Early August

NASN is happy to report that the Sight for Student program will go live again on August 3, 2020. If you submitted a form on the web page in the past few months, NASN's VSP Eyes of Hope partner is already preparing to get these out to you.

Please request ONLY as many gift certificates as you plan to distribute in the next six months. Also, if you do not need gift certificates now, please wait and request during non-peak season months (December through July).

VSP UPDATE

Students' Mental Health More Important Than Ever

With students being separated from their peers for the past few months, it's important to take stock of their mental health as well as their physical health. NASN provides a number of resources to help you have those conversations and strategies to help students cope.

LEARN MORE

NASN School Nurse Chat: Taking Your Seat at the Table!

NASN Executive Director Donna Mazyck and NASN Nursing Education & Practice Specialist/Lead Nurse Conference Planner Jade Bland-Slaffey speak with Virtual NASN2020 Closing Keynote Speaker Liz Dozier about the power of the school nurse’s voice and how to make your seat at the table count.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

COVID-19 Updates

NASN Releases New Resources

To support school nurses in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, NASN has released several new resources. The first document, Guidance for Healthcare Personnel on the Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Schools During COVID-19, addresses specific types of PPE and its use. The next, provides Considerations for School Nurses in Planning for Students with Disabilities and Special Healthcare Needs in the Return to School.

In addition, NASN has created two infographics, based on its survey of school nurse activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, that outline school nurse activities during the spring semester, and how prepared schools are for another outbreak in the fall:

COVID-19 Vaccine Resource

A resource for school nurses to monitor updates on vaccines for COVID-19 is available at the Vaccine Education Center (VEC) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

CovidVaccineAnswers.org points to a page on the VEC site where school nurses can get answers or submit questions.

Managing Chronic Health Conditions

Immunizations Still Crucial During COVID-19

It is critical during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure routine vaccination is maintained to protect people of all ages -- in particular those with underlying chronic health conditions - against vaccine-preventable diseases. Check out CDC’s NIAM digital communication toolkits. Share these messages and resources throughout the month of August using hashtag #ivax2protect.

CDC will also be hosting an Instagram Q&A event for parents on August 24 from 12-2 p.m. ET to answer questions about the importance of maintaining routine immunization during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NASN Resources: Check out NASN's information on immunizations, including our position statement.

Improving School Community and Student Health

Healthy Schools, Healthy People

The Healthy Schools, Healthy People program provides ideas and free resources for schools to promote hand hygiene awareness and education among students, school staff, and the community at-large.

LEARN MORE

Opportunities & Networking

Aug. 1 is Deadline to Watch Virtual NASN2020 PLUS Session on Diabetes

Don't forget the Exhibit Hall from Virtual NASN2020 is still open to all, not just registered attendees! "Stop by" and check out the vendors.

For Virtual NASN2020 registered attendees, please be aware of these important upcoming dates:

August 1:

Last day to watch the PLUS session titled Technology Tips, Tricks, and Troubles – What to Expect with Additional Diabetes Devices at School

October 3:

Last day to view conference content including session recordings, poster session, PLUS sessions, and session materials
Last day to complete Virtual NASN2020 evaluations to get CNE credit for sessions completed

Mark Your Calendar

Beyond FERPA: How to Find State Laws and District Policies on Student Data Privacy

2 PM ET August 5, 2020

The National School Health Data Set invites nurses to submit data that is de-identified in accordance with law and school district policy. This webinar provides an overview of the National School Health Data Set and briefly reviews applicable federal privacy law. We will then explore resources for finding summaries of state privacy laws, as well as questions that nurses can ask to find district data privacy policies. The webinar will also review a checklist that is designed to assist school nurses with identifying and complying with state and district data privacy policies.

BEYOND FERPA

Considerations and Guidance for Schools: Hand Hygiene, Cleaning and Disinfection for Reopening

4 PM ET August 5, 2020

Join the American Cleaning Institute and experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a webinar designed to help school nurses and administrators develop their school plan, taking into consideration the vital role of hand hygiene, as well as cleaning and disinfecting, in helping to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 within school communities. Get resources and recommendations from the CDC on preparing for K-12 school reopening and operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and use this opportunity to ask questions.

CLEANING

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 2020 calendar.

OBSERVANCES CALENDAR

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