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"I enjoyed the video very much - it both is amusing and gets to the point very quickly. I think it's a great ice breaker!" ~ A quote from Jody Disney in a discussion about a video that promotes the Step Up & Be Counted initiative.  Access this video.
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January 15, 2015
School Nurses: Supporting Education, Advancing Student Health


Welcome to Winter! Winter sports can be a lot of fun, but safety equipment is a must to prevent serious injuries. This month is National Winter Sports Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Awareness Month, a teaching opportunity for sports safety. Review the NASN position statement, Concussions: The Role of the School Nurse for important information. School nurses are leaders of school health teams and have the knowledge and skills to provide concussion prevention education to parents, students, and staff.
 
The NASN Board will be visiting your Members of Congress this month to educate them about the vital roles of school nurses and the health of our nation's children. Thank you for keeping your students healthy, safe, and ready to learn.

Carolyn Duff, MS, RN, NCSN, President of NASN
Quick Poll
Who do you consult with when a student returns to school after sustaining a concussion?
Take this week's poll.
Association News
Nursing Delegation Resources
Are you faced with the decision to delegate? Visit NASN's newest resource section, Nursing Delegation in the School Setting. Resources include tools that outline recommended qualifications for Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAPs) and a sample skills checklist. Visit NASN.org for this new content.  

NASN Call for Poster Presentation Abstract Submissions
Deadline: February 5, 2015
Share your expertise at the NASN 47th Annual Conference, NASN2015, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Complete a poster presentation abstract submission. Access poster guidelines and learn more.

Educate Parents and the School Community About Cough Medicine Abuse
NASN has partnered with the Consumer Healthcare Products Association to create Home to Homeroom - an educational program which includes a presentation and template letter you can share with parents and other caring adults. It contains important information about the signs and side effects of cough medicine abuse. Learn more and access these free resources.

Call for Nominations: Recognition Awards and Distinguished Service Award
NASN is now accepting nominations to recognize organizations or individuals who have continually supported or uniquely contributed to NASN, and to recognize an individual who has given outstanding service to NASN within the last five years. NASN members are encouraged to submit nominations! Deadline for nominations to NASN is March 1st. Learn more.

Join NASN's Oral Health Forum
Connect with colleagues on the Oral Health Forum to discuss ideas as you prepare for National Children's Dental Health Month coming in February. Access this forum.
School Nurses in the News
Seminole County Schools (Florida) Fight Flu with Shots, Germ Lessons
News 13 / Seminole County, Florida
This year for the first time, Seminole County Schools (Florida) approved offering flu shots for students - at school. Many students took advantage of that opportunity back in November. NASN member Patty Caulfield, lead nurse for the Seminole County School District, said, "If a student comes into the clinic with a temperature of 100 or more we do send them home. ...If they've been sent home with flu-like symptoms, we ask they not return to school until they've been fever-free for 24 hours, without the use of fever-free reducers." Access the story.
National News That Matters to You
Influenza Surveillance Update  
Influenza activity is continuing to increase in the U.S. As of January 12, 2015, a total of 21 pediatric deaths have been reported. Of the 18 for whom a vaccination history is known, only one was fully vaccinated. It's not too late to vaccinate!  

A Webinar on Improving Access to Health Services in Your Community
Who's Leading the Leading Health Indicators?
January 22, 2015, 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm Eastern
Increasing access to routine medical care and medical insurance are vital steps in improving the health of all Americans. Learn how one organization is improving access to health services in its community and hear about resources available to help address this issue in your community. Learn more or register.

Exploring the National Recommendations for Children's Vision and Eye Health: A Discussion with the Authors
Friday, January 23, 2015, 10:30 am Eastern   
The National Expert Panel and the National Center for Children's Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness have published recommendations providing evidence-based approach to vision screening in children ages 3-5, and public health strategies to ensure improved surveillance and program accountability. Access the recommendations and reserve your space for this discussion.
Health Office Toolbox
A School Administrator's Guide to Academic Concussion Management
Nationwide Children's Hospital Sports Medicine wants you to understand the impact concussions can have on a student's ability to learn. The Guide to Academic Concussion Management is designed to help you create and implement an academic concussion management plan. Those vested in a student's education, especially when a health condition affects his or her ability to learn, can be grouped into four teams: academic, medical, which includes the school nurse, athletic, and student and family. Access the guide.

Student Mental Health Issues Training for School Nurses
Take advantage of the free online training, Mental Health Training Intervention for Health Providers in Schools (MH-TIPS) and earn 12 CNE contact hours. It is jointly provided by NASN and the University of Maryland's Center for School Mental Health. This innovative educational offering is aimed at developing competency in managing the needs of students with or at risk for emotional and behavioral difficulties. Access this online training course free of charge. 

New Tool Outlines Federal Agency Prevention Initiatives
This new resource from Healthy People 2020 allows you to browse various topics such as access to health services, diabetes, immunization, vision, and much more. You can also explore specific government offices or numerous initiatives. The Healthy People objectives are the foundation for many federal prevention initiatives. Browse HealthyPeople.gov.

"Take 3" Actions to Fight the Flu
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends actions to protect yourself and others from influenza. Access their list of actions including links to more resources.  

A Parent's Guide to Preteen and Teen HPV Vaccination
The Immunization Action Coalition offers this 2-page resource you can share with parents and families that includes information about HVP and the HPV vaccine. Access this resource.  

Learn Key Strategies for Quality HVAC in Your School Buildings
Thursday, January 22, 2015, from 1:00 - 2:30 pm Eastern (including Q&A) 
Join Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) experts as they showcase how school districts are saving money and energy while improving occupant health and performance through providing proper ventilation. Register today.
What's Happening
NASN's Calendar of Events lists upcoming events for school nursing professionals.  Events happening soon include:

NASN Winter Webinar Series: Let's Talk School Nursing!
Webinar 2: Pills, Shots and Drops - Oh My!
Medication Administration in the School Setting
Wednesday, January 28, 2015, 1:00 pm Eastern

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.

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