|
"We also need to consider the grief and fear for loved ones lost that were still living in the west Africa area." ~ A quote from Cynthia Hiltz in a discussion on SchoolNurseNet. Visit the online community for school nurses to connect with other school nurses. [login to fully access discussions and resources] |  |  |  |  |  |
|
|

In the past several weeks, much new information has been shared related to Enterovirus D68 and Ebola Virus disease. The present high-alert for infectious disease is a reminder for school nurses to practice and teach regular healthful hygiene to prevent the spread of communicable illnesses. To promote health during this time when cold and flu are also prevalent, we must remind staff and students to cover coughs, catch sneezes, wash hands frequently, and stay home when sick. For resources and information to share with families and staff, browse NASN's seasonal influenza and immunization resources pages and the CDC's seasonal influenza clearinghouse. Stay Healthy this Season, Carolyn Duff, MS, RN, NCSN, President of NASN
|
Quick Poll Where are you most likely to go for information when there is a trending health issue? Take this week's poll.
American Nurses Association (ANA): Ebola Demands a Collaborative Response
A joint statement by the ANA, the American Medical Association and the American Hospital Association said "a solution-oriented, collaborative approach" is needed in the prevention and treatment of Ebola in the U.S. "Our nation's hospitals, physician and professional nursing organizations remain in communication with one another and with our nation's public health institutions at the local, state and national levels." Access the ANA press release.
|
Fighting the Flu Happens at School! A Month-by-Month Activity Booklet This booklet contains a month-by-month educational campaign to help the school raise awareness about the importance of seasonal influenza vaccination. Each month features a vaccine focus, national activities, suggested actions and sample resources. Download the booklet.
Required and Recommended Adolescent Immunization Letter This template letter is written to parents/guardians on behalf of their child's school nurse with easy-to-understand information about the required and recommended adolescent vaccines. Feel free to tailor for your school community (e.g., add your school letterhead, insert the required vaccines in your state, include your contact information). Access the letter.
Observe National Substance Abuse Prevention Month With Free Tools Through a partnership between NASN and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the Smart Moves, Smart Choices initiative offers free tools and resources to help schools and communities begin a dialogue about the risks of prescription drug abuse and empower them to address this serious problem. Access a variety of materials developed for elementary, middle and high school students and their families.
Visit the NASN Employment Center for Job Listings Find your next job opportunity on NASN.org. Browse listings.
|
School Nurses in the News
|
West Virginia Schools Receive New Healthcare Supplies mydailyregister.com (West Virginia) NASN member and a school nurse for Mason County (West Virginia) Schools Lauri Johnson said that access to certain lifesaving medications and new equipment will soon be in place in every school in the county. "Last month, epinephrine, a drug used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions, was placed in each of the county's schools," Johnson said. Access the article.
|
National News That Matters to You
|
Enterovirus D68 Update From mid-August to October 21, 2014, the CDC or state public health laboratories have confirmed a total of 938 people in 46 states and the District of Columbia with respiratory illness caused by EV-D68. The CDC expects that, as with other enteroviruses, EV-D68 infections will likely begin to decline by late fall. Learn more about Enterovirus D68 in the United States. What do parents need to know about Enterovirus D-68? Check out the information that comes directly from the CDC.
|
Fight the Flu Education Materials Free educational materials are provided by MedImmune Alliance & Advocacy to NASN members. Materials, available in both English and Spanish, are designed to help deliver easy-to-read information about influenza to students and families. The materials highlight key facts about influenza and promote the importance of annual vaccination. Learn more.
A Training on Coping with Stress and Depression Thursday, November 20, 2014, 7:00 p.m. Eastern This free, 1- hour webinar is hosted by Families for Depression Awareness. It is designed for adults, family caregivers, human resources managers, and employee assistance program professionals. Attendees will learn how to recognize the difference between stress and depression and know when and how to get help. People who attend the entire webinar will receive a free Coping with Stress brochure. Learn more or register.
Acetaminophen Information and Resources from Know Your Dose As you stock your medicine cabinet to prepare for cold and flu season, remember to double check labels so you don't double up on medicines containing acetaminophen - the most common drug ingredient in the U.S. Each week more than 50 million Americans use acetaminophen to treat pain, fever, and cold and flu symptoms. It's safe and effective when used as directed, but taking more than directed is an overdose and can lead to liver damage. Access resources including an infographic.
A Guide for Protecting Indoor Air Quality in Schools During Building Upgrades Energy Savings Plus Health: Indoor Air Quality Guidelines for School Building Upgrades is a downloadable document from the Environmental Protection Agency. It equips schools with tools to integrate indoor air quality protections into school energy efficiency retrofits and building upgrade projects. Although primarily written for school administrators, school nurses are integral team members in preventing and controlling potentially harmful conditions during school renovations. Access this guide.
Safety, Recall and Health Information to Keep Kids Safe NASN is a partner organization of the National Youth & Consumer Safety Council; a coalition organization offering recall information and safety resources. The Safety Council's website provides information on recalls from the FDA and other governmental agencies. It also brings attention to safety resources such as Net Cetera: Chatting With Kids Online, a toolkit for talking with kids about social networking, mobile devices, computer security, sexting, and cyberbullying. Access the Safety Council's website.
|
NASN's Calendar of Events lists upcoming events for school nursing professionals. Events happening soon include:
Illinois Association of School Nurses Annual Conference October 24 - 25, 2014
|
|
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.
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|