NASN Weekly Digest
Education and Experience. The most effective treatment. RN to BS in Nursing Online. Concordia University-St. Paul
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"As school nurses, we are the ones that draw that connection between education and health." ~ A quote from Lee Ann Halbert in the NASN School Nurse podcast, Teaching Health in the 21st Century. Access this podcast and accompanying article.  Manage Your Membership and Make Connections on SchoolNurseNet Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Watch us on YouTube Connect with us on LinkedIn
January 22, 2015
School Nurses: Supporting Education, Advancing Student Health


School Nurses are uniquely positioned to identify and advocate for school and district policies that ensure physical, psychological and social safety of sexual minority students and students with gay and lesbian parents and family members. Review the school nurse role in addressing the health needs of sexual minority students in the NASN position statement on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Thank you for advocating for your students.

Carolyn Duff, MS, RN, NCSN, President of NASN
Quick Poll
What are the common illnesses you are seeing in your health office at the moment?
NASN Elections 2015


2015 NASN Election - Meet the Candidates  
The NASN election begins on March 15th. Take some time to review candidate data and their statement of view. Learn more. 
Association News
Article Personalizes the "3 Ds" Concept, Diversity, Determinants, and Disparities
The "3 Ds" of School Nursing: Diversity, Determinants, and Disparities, in the NASN School Nurse, discusses the need for school nurses to address health in its complexity of the social determinants and health disparities that exist in our nation. Access the article. (NASN members have access to full text articles online. Contact NASN if you need assistance with your online subscription.)

Why African American and Latino Males Seek Mental Health Services
In The Journal of School Nursing article, Engaging African American and Latino Adolescent Males Through School-Based Health Centers, five themes are explored to understand the issues and reasons these adolescents sought mental health services at school-based health centers. Access the article. (NASN members have access to full text articles online. Contact NASN if you need assistance with your online subscription.)

NASN2015 - Step One, Plan Ahead
Mark your calendar to be a part of NASN2015 (June 24th-27th), the NASN 47th Annual Conference, at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Registration, Room Block, and Conference Site will open in early February 2015. We look forward to seeing you this June in Philadelphia! Access the Attendance Justification Toolkit.

NASN Call for Poster Presentation Abstract Submissions
Deadline: February 5, 2015
Share your expertise at NASN2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Complete a poster presentation abstract submission. Access poster guidelines and learn more.
School Nurses in the News
Fort Smith (Arkansas) School Nurse Has 'Heart For Children'
Times Record Online Edition (Western Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma)
NASN member Brenda DeArmond, school nurse at Northside High School and Albert Pike Elementary School (Fort Smith, Arkansas), was recently recognized for her work, earning the distinction of School Nurse of the Year from the Arkansas School Nurse Association. As a nurse dividing her time between one of the city's high schools and one of its larger elementary schools, she is responsible for the health and well-being of more than 2,100 children as a registered nurse. Brenda said, "I enjoy my job if I can make someone feel better." She will be recognized for her accomplishments with other state winners at NASN2015 in Philadelphia in June. Read the Article.
National News That Matters to You
Influenza Surveillance Update
Influenza activity in the U.S. remains high but there are early signs that activity had begun to decrease in parts of the country. The reduced protection offered by the flu vaccine this season makes that appropriate use of influenza antiviral medications more important than usual.  Weekly US Map of flu activity across the country.

Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Offer Free or Low Cost Health Insurance
Children who have coverage receive immunizations, regular check-ups, and other care they need to fully participate in classroom and after-school activities. With the Health Insurance Marketplace open until February 15, children and families can sign up for affordable health coverage. Further, Medicaid and CHIP offer free or low cost health insurance for students up to age 19 with enrollment open year round. To learn more about affordable health coverage for your family visit HealthCare.gov.
Health Office Toolbox
Culture Matters to Quality Health Care
This resource is offered by Culture Care Connection of Minnesota and includes medical care information organized by cultural group.

Tip Sheets for Patients from Diverse Cultures
Culture CluesTM  are offered by the Patient and Family Education Services at the University of Washington Medical Center. They are designed to increase awareness about concepts and preferences of patients from diverse cultures.

Healthy People 2020 Progress Review: Social Determinants of Health and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Health    
Thursday, February 5, 12:30 p.m. Eastern
This Progress Review webinar will highlight the importance of social determinants of health and cultural competence in working with LGBT and diverse populations to eliminate health disparities and achieve health equity. This webinar will feature Senior Health and Human Services officials and presenters from a community-based organization to share their experience in offering culturally competent care. Register today!

Get Started with Year-long Drug Abuse Prevention Efforts

National Drug Facts Week, January 26-February 1, sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), is a national health observance for teens to shatter the myths about drugs and drug abuse. Access online planning guide and resources.  
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.

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.