Email from National Association of School Nurses Weekly Digest from NASN View as Webpage April 9, 2026 Congratulations 2026 NASN Fellows! View the full lineup of sessions and register today. 2026 NASN Election Now: Vote by 4/15! Latest from NASN See more. Upcoming Events See more. Weekly Digest Archive See past issues. President's Message This week, as we recognize Adolescent Immunization Action Week and National Public Health Week, we are reminded of the essential role school nurses play as frontline public health providers—bridging healthcare and education, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and empowering students to take an active role in their health. In that spirit, we’re excited to announce the release of the School Nurse Day 2026 Toolkit—everything you need to celebrate is ready. From shareable posters and a national proclamation to social media graphics, profile frames, and ready-to-use messaging, the toolkit makes it easy to recognize the impact of school nurses and engage your entire school community. We encourage you to use these resources and invite colleagues, school leaders, and community partners to join in—because when school nurses are supported and visible, entire school communities benefit—health outcomes improve, attendance rises, educators gain critical time back, and families are better supported. Lynn Nelson, MSN, RN, NCSN NASN President Better Health. Better Learning.™   NASN News and Highlights New Issue of The Journal of School Nursing Is Now Available The April issue of The Journal of School Nursing (JOSN) features a new editorial highlighting research strategies aligned with NASN’s research priorities, along with original research spanning school violence prevention, geographic disparities in student outcomes, and the prevalence of chronic diseases among schoolchildren. This issue also includes a quality improvement project addressing barriers to student access, as well as a NASN position brief. Highlights include: Paid advertisement Effects of School Violence Prevention Education Using a Chatbot (SVPE-C) on Sixth-Grade Students in South Korea Geographic Differences in School Success Among Children and Adolescents in the United States Removing Student Access Barriers: An Intervention to Reduce Medical Exclusion for Students Without Physical Examinations NASN Position Brief: Nurse as a Legally Protected Title in Schools Medicaid Matters: Supporting School Health April is Medicaid Awareness Month—a time to recognize the vital role Medicaid plays in supporting school-based health services and the work of school nurses. As one of the largest funding sources for K–12 schools, Medicaid helps ensure students have access to essential physical, mental, and behavioral health services—right where they learn—while helping school districts sustain critical health programs. NASN continues to advocate for strong Medicaid programs, expanded reimbursement for school-based services, and policies that support school nurses and reduce barriers to care. Watch NASN’s Medicaid Matters video series and learn more about Medicaid and school nursing.   NASN Staff Update: Please Join Us in Welcoming Carrie Lee NASN is pleased to introduce Carrie Lee, ND, RN, NCSN, as our newest Clinical Practice and Project Manager. With more than 20 years of experience in nursing practice, education, and leadership, Carrie brings a strong background in pediatric care, school health services, and program development. Her work focuses on competency-based education, professional development, and evidence-based practice. Carrie is passionate about supporting nurses and advancing clinical excellence. Welcome to the NASN team!     The following are paid advertisements The school nurse software you dream about - everything you imagined. If your task list lives on sticky notes, this is for you. Move from paper to smart task lists, digital forms, real-time parent updates, and automated refill reminders. Demo delivered to your inbox. Send me the video demo >   Discover better deals We have a comprehensive inventory from basic supplies to specialized equipment. Unlock true savings. Shop Now   Early Rate Ends May 1, 2026 REGISTER TODAY FOR THE BEST RATE NASN2026 Key Details Registration rates Register online before May 1, 2026, to get the best rate! Preconference Day—June 28 (optional) Join NASN first and save! Make your travel plans NCPD contact hours information View the agenda Check out the conference blogs See FAQs Preconference Session Spotlight: Spanish Today for School Nurses Arrive early for the optional Preconference Day on June 28, featuring focused, high-impact sessions designed to strengthen your clinical skills, expand your expertise, and prepare you for the year ahead. This highly interactive 6-hour seminar helps school nurses build stronger connections with Spanish-speaking students and families by breaking down communication barriers and building trust. Participants will gain practical Basic and Medical Spanish communication skills and strategies they can apply immediately when working with all students and families. The session combines cross-cultural understanding with hands-on practice to boost confidence in real-world school settings. Through interactive group activities and conversational exercises, participants will leave better equipped to communicate clearly and compassionately in any situation. A specialized manual and pocket guide are included.   Pre-registration is encouraged. REGISTER NOW TO SECURE YOUR SPOT   Managing Chronic Health Conditions Supporting Successful Transitions for Students with Healthcare Needs Healthcare transition (HCT) planning is essential to ensuring continuity of care for students with healthcare needs as they move into, through, and beyond the school setting. NASN’s position statement, Transition Planning for Students with Healthcare Needs, emphasizes a coordinated, student-centered approach—led by school nurses, who provide critical expertise, leadership, and care coordination throughout each stage of transition. NASN Transition Resources: Supporting Students with Epilepsy: A Transition Toolkit Transition for Students with Epilepsy: Panel Presentation—1.0 NCPD contact hour Transition Planning for Students with Chronic Health Conditions Document Transition from Pediatric to Adult Care for Students with Type 1 Diabetes Document Pediatric to Adult Lupus Care Transition Webinar Pediatric to Adult Care Transition for Students with Lupus—1.0 NCPD contact hour   Improving School Community & Student Health National Healthy Schools Day Events: Celebrate Progress, Shape the Future Celebrate National Healthy Schools Day with a series of free virtual events, April 13–17, featuring national leaders in environmental health, policy, and science. Don’t miss Indoor Air Quality and Schools: State Policy Pathways and Implementation Strategies on April 16 at 1 PM ET, moderated by Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America President and CEO Kenneth Mendez. This panel will explore practical strategies and innovative approaches to achieving healthier school environments at scale. Understand Your Liability Risk: Webinar on Nursing Malpractice Trends Join NSO, an endorsed provider of NASN, for a free webinar on April 29 at 12 PM ET, "Understand Your Liability Risk: Top Reasons Nurses are Sued for Malpractice." This free ANCC-accredited session (1 contact hour) uses recent nursing claims data to explore common risk areas, including clinical errors, communication breakdowns, and judgment-related challenges. Register now to gain practical strategies to reduce liability risk and strengthen patient safety in your practice. Celebrate National School Nurse Day with Healthier Generation Nominate yourself or a colleague to be featured in Healthier Generation’s special National School Nurse Day webinar and on their social media. To enter: submit a written nomination or a 1–2 minute video highlighting the school nurse’s impact. Submit your nomination.  Join the webinar “Trusted, Valued, Essential: A Celebration of School Nurses” on May 6 at 1 PM ET. Learn more and register for the webinar. Child Abuse Prevention Month: Resources & the Role of School Nurses April is Child Abuse Prevention Month—a time to raise awareness and strengthen efforts to ensure children grow up in safe, stable, and supportive environments. School nurses play a critical role in prevention, early identification, and intervention—working across schools, families, and communities to protect student well-being. Get involved—explore resources and take action in your community. NASN’s position statement, Child Maltreatment Prevention and Management, affirms that school nurses are vital partners in recognizing, reporting, and addressing child maltreatment through collaboration, trauma-informed care, and coordinated support. The following are paid advertisements   Mark Your Calendar   Adolescent Immunization Action Week 2026 April 6-10 Spread awareness for #AIAW26. Deadline: 2026 NASN Election Voting April 15 Learn more and vote now. Deadline: NASN2026 Early Registration Register by May 1 to get the best rate Register now. Save the Date: School Nurse Day May 6 The social media toolkit is now available to help you amplify the vital role and impact of school nurses nationwide. Explore the shareables at schoolnurseday.org Be a Part of the NASN2026 Experience! June 29-July 2 (Preconference Day on June 28) Las Vegas, Nevada | Caesars Palace  Learn more and secure your spot.   State Associations of School Nurses' Conferences 2026 Iowa School Nurse Conference - Solving the Case of Student Health - April 9-10, 2026. Learn more. New Hampshire School Nurses' Association Annual Conference - Leveraging Access to Healthcare - April 11, 2026. Learn more. Utah School Nurse Association Spring Conference - April 16-17, 2026. Learn more. Ohio Association of School Nurses 53rd Annual School Nurse Conference - Bridging Student Health and Education - April 17-18, 2026. Learn more. Montana Association of School Nurses Spring Conference - April 18, 2026. Learn more. Louisiana School Nurses Organization 56th Annual Professional Growth Seminar - April 21-24, 2026. Learn more. 2026 Alaska School Nurses Association Spring Conference - Northern Lights of School Nursing: Illuminating Best Practices - April 24-25, 2026. Learn more. 2026 Wisconsin Association of School Nurses Annual Conference - Investing in Children: The Value of School Nurses - April 27-29, 2026. Learn more. 2026 New England School Nurse Conference - Elevating Excellence - May 1-3, 2026. Learn more. Alabama Association of School Nurses Annual Conference 2026 - June 8-10, 2026. Learn more. 2026 Arkansas School Nurses Association Annual Conference - Remember Your Why - June 9-10, 2026. Learn more. Mississippi School Nurse Association 30th School Nurse Conference - Honoring Our Past, Advancing Our Future: Working Together - June 9-11, 2026. Learn more. 37th Annual School Nurses Organization of Arizona Summer Conference - Lighting the Path From Passion to Practice - June 11-12, 2026. Learn more. 2026 Georgia Association of School Nurses Annual Conference - Mastering the Course: Advancing School Health Practice, Policy, and Purpose - June 15-17, 2026. Learn more.  The 37th Annual Statewide Summer Conference for Kansas School Nurses - There’s No Place Like School - July 14-16, 2026. Learn more. 2026 South Dakota School Nurse Association Annual Conference - July 14-15, 2026. Learn more. 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 2026 calendar. OBSERVANCES 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.   NASN | nasn.org National Association of School Nurses | 1100 Wayne Avenue Suite 925 | Silver Spring, MD 20910 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice