NASN Weekly Digest
Win the war against head lice. Vamousse
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"I love the opportunity to learn, to update my practice and to network with other school nurses." A quote from an NASN2014 annual conference attendee.  Browse the NASN2014 program and SAVE THE DATE for NASN2015, June 24 - 27, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
 
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September 25, 2014
School Nurses: Supporting Education, Advancing Student Health


"Many believe effective networking is done face-to-face, building a rapport with someone by looking at them in the eye, leading to a solid connection and foundational trust."     ~ Author Raymond Arroyo
 
Occasions to attend live conferences and meetings are perfect opportunities to connect with colleagues and friends, build relationships, and have conversations on trends in school nurse practice.
 
This October set aside time to attend a meeting for the personal touch to learning from your peers and make a point of connecting to as many colleagues as possible and welcoming them to the school nurse connection. Also, be sure to 'save the date' to attend NASN2015 in Philadelphia, a wonderful city to visit and the place to be for networking and learning. Browse a list of NASN affiliate school nurse organizations and see how rewarding it is to get to know your colleagues.

Keep the conversations flowing! I know I will be looking to shake your hands!
 
Carolyn L. Duff, MS, RN, NCSN
NASN President
Quick Poll
I attend state/regional school nurse conferences to . . . Take this week's poll.

CDC EV68 Map Enterovirus Update
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are providing resources that are helpful to school nurses as the increasing prevalence of respiratory illness is being seen in an increasing number of states - and is possibly due to Enterovirus D-68. Resources include answers to common questions and an infographic that would be a great tool to post in your Health Office, at the school entrance, or could be sent home to parents.
Association News
NEWS FLASH! Vision Voucher Limit Has Been Removed
Great news! There is no limit on the number of vouchers for vision services offered through the Sight for Students Program from Vision Service Plan (VSP) to school nurses for their students. Requests can be made for up to 25 vouchers at a time! To participate in the VSP program, NASN members must complete an application and send it to Sight for Students along with proof of NASN membership. Apply to VSP today.

Recognizing School-located Immunization Programs
A September 2014 NASN School Nurse article addresses renewing the focus on schools for both vaccine delivery and vaccine promotion and includes the programming efforts of three school nurses who are leading the way. Access this article.

Clinical Conversation Guide for Food Allergy Management  
The Clinical Conversation Guide for Food Allergy Management in the School Setting provides the school nursing professional with access to recently published articles in the school health literature. The Clinical Conversation provides a framework for leading a meeting with other school nurses or school health staff, a professional development workshop, or an interactive nursing conference presentation based on prepared discussion questions.

Tee-Shirts and Other New Items Now Available in NASN's Bookstore
The NASN Bookstore offers multiple resources for school nurses - even clothing! Be sure to visit NASN's Bookstore for the new tee-shirts with the statement, Keep Calm You have a School Nurse, which are now available in three colors. You will also find additional accessories and multiple publications, which are fully stocked and ready for orders (Purchase Order's accepted).

Visit the NASN Employment Center for New Postings
Find your next job opportunity on NASN.org.  Browse listings.
School Nurses in the News
School Nurse Educates Public on Importance of Oral Health
NWCN TV/K5 (Northwest Region)
NASN member and Washington State NASN Affiliate Director Lynnette Ondeck appeared on her local television station to discuss the importance of baby teeth and good oral health. The broadcast, which provides coverage for Idaho, Oregon, and Washington State, has aired several times since August and highlights school nursing. Access the story.

Local Districts Keep Kids with Lice in School
News Channel 11/Tennessee
There was a time when students were sent home for head lice, but that policy has changed.  NASN member and Bristol Tennessee City Schools health service coordinator Angela Rasnake said, "What we do is if we find a live bug the student stays in school and goes home at the end of the school day. With a packet that explains how to treat the student, how to clean the home, and then to bring the student back the next day to be checked by a school nurse." Access the article.
National News That Matters to You
CDC Encourages Flu Vaccine
Everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop full protection against the flu. Get vaccinated by October to protect yourself and your loved ones! Learn more
School Nurses: The Voice for Children's Health
NASN and School Nurses Represented at Congressional Briefing
The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America
The briefing in September was presented by Trust for America's Health (TFAH) in Washington, D.C. The report, The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America, focuses on the racial, ethnic, educational, socioeconomic, and environmental disparities which contribute to obesity. Changing public policy involves schools, parents, policymakers, industry leaders and community champions to create a Culture of Health that makes healthy choices the easy, affordable, and accessible choices for everyone. See the report and how your state is doing.
Health Office Toolbox
Encourage Your School Community to Get Involved in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, Saturday, September 27
The 9th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is an excellent way to raise awareness about prescription drug abuse, as well as aims to provide a safe and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs. Click here for  more information on the Drug Enforcement Administration's National Take-Back Initiative and to find collection sites in your community.

Help Your Students Struggling with Depression
Families for Depression Awareness is presenting a free, 1-hour Teen Depression Webinar.
Learn how to recognize depression, talk to students, help students struggling with depression, and address difficulties, including self injury and bullying.
Thursday, October 30 at 7:00 pm ET / 4:00 pm PT. Register and learn how you can help.

Air Quality Information on Your SmartPhone
School nurses, students, parents, and everyone can sign up for Air Alerts. Receive a text message when there is an air quality alert in your area and you, and everyone in your school community, can know instantly when outdoor air is polluted with harmful levels of smog and pollution. Plan your outdoor activity
What's Happening
NASN's Calendar of Events lists upcoming events for school nursing professionals.  Events happening soon include:

School Nurse Association of North Carolina 31st Annual Conference
October  2 - 3, 2014

Wyoming School Nurse Association Annual Conference
October 3 - 4, 2014

Helping Administer to the Needs of the Student with Diabetes in School
October 16, 2014
Indiana University Northwest, Gary, Indiana

Massachusetts School Nurse Organization Fall Conference
October 18, 2014

Illinois Association of School Nurses Annual Conference
October 24 - 25, 2014

Healthfinder.gov's National Health Observances site lists special days, weeks, or months dedicated to raising awareness about important health topics.

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The NASN Weekly Digest is an e-news communication of the National Association of School Nurses, Inc. (NASN) sent weekly to NASN members and subscribers. This weekly communication is designed to keep school nurse professionals informed of news, issues, events, and activities related to or affecting school nursing practice.

Although NASN refers to and/or may provide direct access to documents and resources other than those owned or developed by NASN, NASN is not responsible for the content, format, accuracy or availability of such. In addition, NASN does not have any editorial or other control over those materials. In addition, NASN reserves the right to make necessary changes to NASN owned and developed materials without notice.

Copyright 2014 National Association of School Nurses, Inc.