Weekly Digest
NASN news & updates
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School Nurses Feel Voiceless, Overworked Amid Debate Over Changing COVID Guidelines |
The constant changes and inconsistencies between state, counties, and district guidance have taken a toll on many nurses, who not only have to quickly learn the latest protocols but then relay those messages to families, who may not have the same information.
"It's been a lot, with ever-changing guidance and protocols. As the pandemic continues to evolve, it's been very challenging for school nurses to keep up with all of the changes and be able to communicate the guidance to families, parents, students, staff," said Linda Mendonca, president of NASN.
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In Memoriam: Shirley Steel, NASN President 1991-1992 |
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NASN honors the life of Shirley Steel, who died December 24, 2021. As NASN President from 1991-1992, Steel noted, “It has been said that the best way to predict the future is to create it. ... We need to continue to root the climate for change within the strength of our diversity.” Her leadership nationally and in Maryland embodied those words. In 1994, Shirley Steel gave the first donation to the Shirley Steel School Nurse Scholarship for school nurse continuing education. That scholarship was later folded into the NASN Endowment Scholarship awards. |
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Learn More About Sickle Cell Disease Care Planning for School Nurses |
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Schoolchildren with sickle cell disease (SCD) experience physiologic and psychologic stress that can affect school functioning, mental well-being, and physical health. Student needs are unique and individualized; however, school nurses can support students and families with SCD through comprehensive and thorough care planning efforts. NASN School Nurse Editor, Cynthia Galemore, interviews authors Brenna Morse, Amanda Carmichael, and Veronica Bradford about the article, "Sickle Cell Disease Care Planning for School Nurses" during the NASN January 2022 Podcast.
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School Nurse Workforce Survey 2.0 2022 |
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The second school nurse workforce study is coming! Letters will be sent next week to a nationally representative sample of schools throughout the U.S. They will be addressed to the school nurse, so please keep an eye out for them. The letter will have a link to the survey. We need robust data to help policymakers understand our profession — this is your chance to have your voice heard on issues that are relevant to school nurses. Respondents will be eligible to enter a $100 raffle in their region!
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Modern Medicaid Alliance Highlights NASN Tools to Host SLV Clinics |
During the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, many children have missed scheduled vaccinations, including recommended vaccinations against the flu and COVID-19. In response, state Medicaid agencies and Medicaid-managed care organizations across the country have taken action to support COVID-19 vaccine roll-out efforts. Medicaid, which covers more than 37 million children, works with partners like NASN to ensure access to the affordable, effective, high-quality health coverage of childhood and other vaccines. Learn more.
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Additional NASN Resources: Watch the on-demand recording of the COVID-19 Prevention for K-12 Schools Part 3: Focusing School-Located Vaccination on Health Equity webinar, which promotes school-located vaccination as a measure to improve and maintain a safe and healthy environment for students and the community. Watch the recording.
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White House Increases COVID-19 Testing Opportunities |
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The Biden-Harris Administration is increasing COVID-19 testing for schools and has launched a new website for families to order free COVID tests. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests through COVIDtests.gov. Learn more. |
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CDC Updated Guidance on Quarantine and Isolation |
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Improving School Community & Student Health |
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Seizure Management Resources |
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Considering that most seizures occur outside the hospital setting and many are more common when a person is awake, it is very likely that school nurses will encounter a student having a seizure during the school day. Here are some resources to keep at your fingertips:
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Exciting Volunteer Opportunity to Help Students with Anxiety |
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Due to the pandemic, more students than ever before are expected to visit their school nurse with symptoms of excessive anxiety (e.g., stomach aches, headaches, dizziness) that impair their academic, social, and emotional functioning. To address this critical student mental health problem (and with funding from the US Department of Education), a research project called CALM (Child Anxiety Learning Modules) has been offering free training to school nurses to enhance their capacity to identify and help manage anxiety in their students. The study is completely voluntary and all nurses are compensated for their participation. All training is done virtually and not during the school day. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted mental health challenges for many, and resources to support students struggling with anxiety are needed now more than ever. To set up a time to learn more about this study, email [email protected]. |
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January is Cervical Health Awareness Month |
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In January, the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) highlights issues related to cervical cancer, human papillomavirus ( HPV), and the importance of early detection. While NCCC chapters host events throughout the year, January is specifically dedicated to Cervical Health Awareness Month. NCCC and the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) also offer resources about cervical health, from fact sheets to episodes of ASHA’s Sex+Health podcast. Learn more.
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CNE Deadline:
SLV Webinar
Wednesday, January 26
If you attended the webinar Opportunities to Improve Student & Community Health Through School-Located Vaccinations on October 26, 2021, be sure to complete an assessment and evaluation by January 26, 2022, to receive a certificate of completion and earn 1.0 CNE contact hour.
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HIMSS22: Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society
March 14 - March 18
Explore the power of innovation to reimagine health at HIMSS22: the premier global healthcare conference. Choose your path to attend: in-person, digital, or both.
NASN is excited to be a Collaborator of HIMSS22! As such, our members receive the member discount to attend.
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School Nurse Day
Wednesday, May 11
Since 1972, National School Nurse Day has been set aside to recognize school nurses.
National School Nurse Day was established to foster a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting.
The 2022 toolkit will be released in the spring.
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NASN Calendar of Events
This calendar includes upcoming events hosted by NASN and NASN affiliate school nurse organizations. Access the calendar.
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National Health Observances Calendar
This calendar lists special days, weeks, or months dedicated to raising awareness about important health topics. Access the 2021 calendar.
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Acceptance of advertising on the ad banner 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.
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