NASN Weekly Digest
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"There are still MANY misconceptions about the severity of influenza, as well as the efficacy and safety of the vaccine, even among nurses, despite the abundance of evidence available." ~ A quote from Lorraine Chewey in a discussion on SchoolNurseNet. Join the discussion.
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December 11, 2014
School Nurses: Supporting Education, Advancing Student Health


Flu season is definitely upon us! If you haven't already received your flu vaccination, now is the time to take that critical step and get vaccinated! This week we recognize National Influenza Vaccination Week.

As trusted health professionals and health advocates in school communities, it is important that school nurses lead by example, not only by getting the vaccination, but by encouraging and educating colleagues, students, and parents to do likewise. Sadly, to date, according to CDC data, there have been five pediatric influenza deaths that vaccination may have prevented - that is one too many. For more information visit NASN's seasonal influenza resources page.  
 
Thank you for your tireless advocacy for student health and safety!

Carolyn Duff, MS, RN, NCSN, President of NASN
Quick Poll
Have you led by example and gotten your seasonal influenza vaccine this year?
Take this week's poll.
NASN2015 June 24-27, 2015

NASN2015 - Step One, Plan Ahead!
June will be here before you know it and school nurses will be gathering for NASN2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Start planning by setting aside time to attend. The Attendance Justification Toolkit has resources to help you talk to your employer about the conference. Access the toolkit.   
Association News
Keep Flu out of School Program and Online Forum
This program targets influenza vaccine uptake for students in grades K-5. School nurses are charged with engaging teachers and families, and increasing their knowledge and awareness of the importance of annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. Learn more about this program and access resources. Join your colleagues in the online forum to share ideas.

Videocasts Outline School Nurse Role in Oral Health
Partnering to Make Oral Health a Priority is an educational campaign with 3 videos outlining the school nurse role in providing oral health information, communicating with parents, and responding to dental emergencies. Each video is approximately 10 minutes in length. Access the videos.  

Got Epinephrine?  It's Important to Document!
Whenever you give prescribed or stock epinephrine, it's important to thoroughly document it - for your student records, district and state reporting. NASN has updated its sample Report of Epinephrine Administration form in its Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Online ToolKit - use this form or use your state's form!

NASN School Nurse Announces 2015 Issue Themes and Call for Manuscripts
The NASN School Nurse, the clinical resource journal for NASN, has announced the issue themes for 2015, as well as a call for manuscripts. Learn more.

Browse Job Opportunities for School Nurses on NASN.org
New listings are added regularly to the NASN Employment Center. Browse now.
School Nurses in the News
NASN Member Receives Peabody Energy Leader in Education Award
Basin Radio Network
NASN member LuAnn Miller and school nurse at Westwood High School in Gillette, Wyoming, recently received the Peabody Energy's Leader in Education award in recognition for being an, "extraordinary, excellent, inspirational leader in education." LuAnn said her greatest satisfaction is being the head nurse for the school district. Read the article.
National News That Matters to You
How Does Your State Measure Up in Health Security Preparedness?
The situation in West Africa regarding EBOLA reminds us of the many infectious diseases and other disasters with potential for widespread health consequences domestically and internationally. The National Health Security Preparedness Index™ (NHSPI™) provides a fresh way to measure and advance the nation's readiness to respond to large scale emergencies of all kinds. Learn more about your state's preparedness progress.

Champions for Kids and Walmart are Helping Students and School Nurses
In 2014, more than 5 million children received basic necessities and more than $350,000 in cash was awarded to local schools. Champions for Kids and Walmart set a goal to reach a total of 10,000,000 children in 2015. Champions for Kids is looking for volunteers in your community who are passionate about helping students and supporting school nurses. The first program launches in February. You need to register your school and Community Champion. To learn how it works you can talk to a Champions for Kids' Program Officer at 888-727-1094 or email at simplegiving@championsforkids.org.
School Nurses: The Voice for Children's Health
NASN's Executive Director Shares her Perspective on Student Health
NASN's Executive Director Donna Mazyck reflects on her experience at Sanofi's Partners in Patient Health 2nd Annual Children's Health Summit: Working to Improve Student Health (WISH). "We all sought one goal: to make children healthier in order to maintain their learning potential." Access the blog.
Health Office Toolbox
Vaccine Effectiveness - How Well Does the Flu Vaccine Work?
Visit this web resource from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for answers to questions about the flu vaccine. This resource also includes a list of vaccine benefits.  Access this resource.

Influenza Vaccine Safety
This informational index from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention includes answers to general questions about vaccine safety and answers to questions about the 2014-2015 influenza vaccines. Access this information.
What's Happening
NASN's Calendar of Events lists upcoming events for school nursing professionals.  Events happening soon include:

January 2015
Helping Administer to the Needs of the Student with Diabetes in School
January 20, 2015, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Eastern)
Hagerstown, Maryland

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

Join Our Mailing List
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.