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Weekly Digest
NASN news & updates
August 18, 2022
NASN News and Highlights
Culturally Effective Health Care
in Schools Learning Community
NASN is partnering with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and School-Based Health Alliance (SBHA) to host Culturally Effective Health Care in Schools Learning Communities to advance health equity by equipping school-based health professionals with strategies to translate culturally effective health care (CEHC) into their policies and practices.

If you would like to participate in this learning community, please complete the online application by tomorrow, August 19. 
Contact Xochitl Salvador at [email protected] if you have questions.
Professional Liability Insurance
for NASN Members
Affordable professional liability rates are extended to NASN members through NASN's partnership with Lockton Affinity. This professional liability insurance is tailored exclusively for school nurses. Learn more about coverage to protect against the specific risks you face as a school nurse

NASN members significantly change how school nursing is viewed by advocacy, policy, and grassroots groups also interested in the health and educational success of all children and youth. Learn more about your NASN member benefits
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NASN Scholarships and Research Grants Open for Applicants
NASN offers scholarships and research grants to NASN members. Applications are now open, and the deadlines to submit are coming up in October.
  
  • The Endowment Education Scholarship is for professional registered school nurses or school nurse educators pursuing post-baccalaureate certification or graduate degrees. Submit applications by October 15.



  • NASN Research Grants advance and fund the practice of quality school nursing and school-affiliated delivery of healthcare. NASN encourages and supports research regarding school nursing and the health of school-aged children. Submit applications by October 31.
Low Vaccine Uptake Sparks Worries as Students Return to School 
Kids across the country are heading back to classrooms this month and next as polio spreads in at least one major metro area and depressed childhood immunization rates continue to vex public health officials.

NASN is encouraging members to speak with students and their families about the importance of keeping immunizations up to date, said Deborah D’Souza-Vazirani, NASN’s Champions for School Health project manager. “We know that our school nurses are trusted messengers,” she said. Learn more about the Champions for School Health Project.
NASN Connected Community Mobile App
The NASN Connected Community mobile app provides a simple and convenient way to connect with others in NASN's online communities. Engage on the go, browse the feed for the latest content based on your interests, find answers fast with powerful filters, participate in discussions, share resources and search for others in the community with similar interests. 
School-Based Intervention for Children With Asthma and Anxiety
In The Journal of School Nursing (JOSN) August 2022 Podcast, JOSN Editor Martha Dewey Bergren interviews author Colleen McGovern to discuss the article, "Sustained Effects From a School-Based Intervention Pilot Study for Children With Asthma and Anxiety," evaluating the sustained preliminary effects of an integrated asthma education and cognitive behavioral skills-building program, Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment for Asthma.
Focus on the Framework In-Person Sessions Available for Hosting
Focus on the Framework programs are interactive sessions geared toward helping school nurses develop a deeper understanding of their role in Care Coordination, Community/Public Health, Quality Improvement, Leadership, and Standards of Practice.

Put NASN's Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice™ into action by bringing this educational offering to your area! For more information, contact Stephanye White.
School Nurses in the News
COVID-19 Updates, Resources and Events
CDC Updated COVID-19 Guidance for Schools
On August 11, 2022, CDC updated guidance for COVID-19 prevention in K-12 schools and early care and education programs. Here's a summary of recent changes:

  • Removed the recommendation to cohort.
  • Changed recommendation to conduct screening testing to focus on high-risk activities during high COVID-19 Community Levels or in response to an outbreak.
  • Removed the recommendation to quarantine, except in high-risk congregate settings.
  • Removed information about Test to Stay.
  • Added detailed information on when to wear a mask, managing cases, and exposures, and responding to outbreaks.

New CDC COVID-19 State of Vaccination Confidence Insights Report
CDC’s COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report #27 emphasizes major themes influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and uptake, categorized by their level and type of threat to vaccine confidence, degree of spread, and directionality. By examining how Americans think and feel, social processes, and the practical issues around vaccination, the Insights Report seeks to identify emerging issues of misinformation, disinformation, and places where intervention efforts can positively impact vaccine confidence across the United States. You can take action on these themes, check out the ways public health and partners can take action section.
Managing Chronic Health Conditions
Course: A School Nurse-Led Initiative to Address Chronic Absenteeism

Stories from across the country indicate that school nurses decrease absenteeism and address chronic absenteeism. NASN received a CDC contract to develop a tool/process to assist school nurses in addressing chronic absenteeism for health-related reasons and help identify students with chronic undiagnosed conditions. The evidence‐based tool/process developed based on best practices related to chronic absenteeism and management of chronic conditions in the school setting was reviewed by experts in the field. This presentation shares the tool/process, experiences, and tips from the school nurses in four states who've piloted it. The offering also shares how the experience and data helped elevate the value of the school nurse and allowed them to advocate more for students. Learn more and complete the course.

Improving School Community & Student Health
SWHR's Endometriosis Toolkit | Empowerment Guide

Endometriosis is a chronic disease that can be both physically and emotionally difficult to live with, affecting 200 million women worldwide and 17% of adolescents with periods. Many women and girls experience significant delays in getting diagnosed, and while there is no cure, there are treatment options that may ease symptoms and improve their quality of life.

The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR)'s endometriosis toolkit shares a variety of diagnosis and care options to empower individuals when navigating their care. 
Solving Period Poverty
Period Poverty is the limited or inadequate access to menstrual products or menstrual health education as a result of financial constraints or negative socio-cultural stigmas associated with menstruation. PERIOD. is a global youth-fueled nonprofit that strives to eradicate period poverty and stigma through service, education, and advocacy. See their LaunchPad Education Page for a complete toolkit and curriculum on sustainable menstruation, an excellent resource for school nurses, and a Glossary to break down terms commonly used in the menstrual movement. And, mark your calendars for Period Action Day on October 8, 2022, a day to take action against period poverty through service, education, or advocacy, in your community. Check out PeriodActionDay.com to learn more about how to get involved!
State Laws on School Nursing Outline Copious Responsibilities
Child Trends released an analysis of the current landscape of state statutes and regulations on school nursing. The document reports the impact of state laws on the availability of school nurses, their responsibilities, and their contribution to public health. View the detailed analysis.
CDC Resources for Monkeypox in Children and Adolescents 
CDC released clinical considerations to help school nurses and other healthcare providers develop a plan for managing children and adolescents exposed to monkeypox, suspected monkeypox, or confirmed monkeypox. Learn more about clinical symptoms, treatment, and infection control. See also, Questions and Answers About Monkeypox for Healthcare Professionals and Information for Healthcare Professionals.

When properly administered before or after recent exposure, vaccines can be effective tools in protecting against monkeypox illness. Learn more about considerations for monkeypox vaccination.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). Use NIAM as an opportunity to access CDC educational resources like the #HowIRecommend Video Series, which offers simple and practical guidance for having successful vaccine conversations with parents and patients. These short videos demonstrate how to make effective vaccine recommendations, address common vaccine questions, and take a team-based approach to vaccination.
  • NASN Resources: For NIAM, we’re highlighting our partnership with Modern Medicaid Alliance in promoting vaccine equity! Through our work on school-located vaccination clinics, we are ensuring underserved children have equitable access to vaccines. Learn more.
School Nurses for Children’s Vision and Eye Health
As part of August's Children's Eye Health and Safety Month, check out the Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health Expert Series video interview with NASN's Executive Director Donna Mazyck, MS, RN, NCSN, CAE, FNASN. In this episode, "Partnering with School Nurses for Children's Vision and Eye Health," Mazyck discusses the significant role that school nurses play in protecting children's eye health and promoting healthy vision.
Mark Your Calendar
Taking Diabetes
To School

September 23

The Barbara David Center for Diabetes Presents:
Taking Diabetes to School, Webinar for school nurses and clinic aides.


Deadline for registration is September 19, 2022
Champions for School Health:
Deadline for Submission of Grant Applications

September 30

Awards are limited to grantees in – CA, CO, GA, HI, MD, OR, VA, WA, and DC. 

 
If you have any questions, please contact Deborah D’Souza-Vazirani at [email protected] or Stephanye White at [email protected].
NASN Annual Conference:
Deadline to Complete NCPD CNE

October 14



If you have questions, please reach out to the NASN team at [email protected]

Thanks for attending NASN2022!
Application Deadline:
NASN Scholarships

October 15

NASN members are encouraged to apply for these scholarships.



Application Deadline:
Research Grants

October 31

NASN members are encouraged to apply for these grants. NASN supports research regarding school nursing and the health of children and youth through research grants. These grants advance and fund quality school nursing and school-affiliated delivery of healthcare.

State Associations of School Nurses' Conferences
  • Vermont State School Nurses Association (VSSNA): Working Together Conference - Sponsored by VSSNA & University of Vermont Medical Center Nurse Educators - August 24 - Learn more and Register

  • Illinois Association of School Nurses Annual Conference - 65 Years of Improving Child Health Outcomes: School Nurses Leading the Path Towards Health Equity - September 30-October 1 - Learn more and Register

  • Florida Association of School Nurses Face to Face 27th Annual Conference - Celebrating School Nurses in Supporting Student Success - October 14-15 - Learn more and Register

  • Kansas School Nurses Organization - 46th Annual Governor's Conference for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect - October 11-20 - Learn more and Register

  • Tennessee Association of School Nurses Fall 2022 Conference - Advancing the Professional Practice of the School Nurse: One Life at a Time - November 2-3 - Learn more and Register

  • Texas School Nurse Organization Conference -Promoting student health by building resiliency - November 4-6 (Save the Date) Learn more

  • Virginia Association of School Nurses Fall Conference - 36th Annual Fall Conference - November 5-6 (Save the Date) Learn more

  • West Virginia Association of School Nurses Annual Fall Conference - Back to Basics - November 10-12 - Learn more

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 2021 calendar. 
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