National Association of School Nurses Weekly Digest
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"[I enjoyed] talking to nurses from all over the country. So many times, I have felt isolated in my school environment." ~ A quote from an NASN conference attendee.
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March 19, 2015
School Nurses: Supporting Education, Advancing Student Health


Spring is here and NASN is gearing up for its 47th Annual Conference! I will be there in Philadelphia waiting to greet you as we celebrate the conference theme, Embracing Today-Transforming Tomorrow, which reminds us to acknowledge our vital role in the health and educational success of our students. There will be many opportunities for learning and gaining new skills in breakout sessions, workshops, poster presentations, demonstrations, and general sessions.  

Come prepared to enjoy the beauty of Philadelphia, known for a rich history, celebration of the arts, and memorable restaurants. Bring your family and share the experience. Learn more about NASN2015.  
 
Looking forward to seeing you in Philadelphia for an awesome professional and social experience!

Carolyn Duff, MS, RN, NCSN, President of NASN
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NASN Membership Dues Increase Equals More Value for Members
At the winter meeting, the NASN Board of Directors approved a membership dues increase of 5% in all member categories. As of April 1, 2015, NASN Membership dues will increase. This increase means NASN will be able to deliver the highest quality programs, services, and products to members and continue to advance school nursing practice. Review new rates and get additional information
Association News
Rich Bluni, RN, Added to List of Incredible NASN2015 Speakers
Inspired Nurse - Opening Keynote
June 24, 2015
Those of us that call healthcare our life's work must also take care of "self" in order to be able to do the challenging physical, emotional and intellectual work that it takes to serve others.  Inspired Nurse is a welcome validation that when we stay engaged and committed, we're more likely to provide extraordinary patient care...in terms of both clinical outcomes and human compassion. Learn more about Rich Bluni and his work

Dr. Jane Chevako's Poetry Spotlights Physical Assessment Session
Physical Assessment: Growing Up Is Fun to Do will be presented on June 23rd by Dr. Jane Chevako during the preconference event in conjunction with NASN2015, the 47th Annual NASN Conference. Read as Dr. Jane describes her session in her poem, Oh, Don't Be Silly, Come Out to Philly.

NASN's First eBook Addresses Delegation in the School Setting
eBook Principles for Practice: Nursing Delegation to Unlicensed Assistive Personnel in the School Setting is NASN's first eBook in a series of practice tools for school nurses who are implementing evidence-based information in their daily practice. This resource provides overall principles for making decisions about the delegation of nursing tasks. Learn more.

Now Playing on NASN Radio
Teens with Diabetes in Transition: Supporting Self-Management
In this segment learn how school nurses play an important role in preparing students to assume more responsibility for their health care. Listen Now!

NASN Election Ballot Open
Cast your ballot in this year's NASN election to elect the next NASN President-Elect, Secretary / Treasurer, and Nominating Committee member. Learn more about the candidates and vote online.

Call for Volunteers - NASN Seeks Your Expertise
NASN is in need of school nurse experts for a variety of upcoming projects. In addition, NASN/NASSNC's Step Up and Be Counted (uniform data set project) is also seeking volunteers to expand the number of school nurses and other experts involved in this project. Review committee volunteer opportunities. Deadline April 2, 2015. 
School Nurses in the News
Measles Case Puts Merced Community (California) on High Alert
Merced Sun-Star
Measles awareness in Merced County (California) has heightened since a child in the area testing positive for the highly contagious viral disease. The child was under the age of 5, and had received one of the two vaccinations recommended to protect against measles. The child has since recovered. NASN member Leslie Schleth, the lead school nurse at the Merced City School District, said, "... last week's news prompted school nurses to re-evaluate how they identify children who are not immunized against measles." Access the story
National News That Matters to You
Philadelphia is #3 in List of Places to Go in 2015
NASN is so excited to be hosting NASN2015 in this city, named as one of the New York Times top destinations for 2015. The 47th Annual NASN Conference will be in a place that has transformed its outdoor spaces to make them more welcoming, green, and pedestrian-friendly.  Read the article that gives Philadelphia this high mark.

Current Measles Situation  
The number of measles cases continues to grow in the U.S. While most cases are linked to an amusement park in California, three other unrelated outbreaks are occurring. Come to NASN's Conference in June to hear internationally known pediatric vaccine expert, Dr. Paul A. Offit, speak about the 1991 Philadelphia measles epidemic and the implications for school nursing practice.

Celebrate Certified Nurses Day, March 19, 2015
School nurses who earn the Nationally Certified School Nurse (NCSN) credential represent a commitment to provide professional nursing care to America's children and youth by validating their competence through school nursing certification. NASN celebrates your accomplishments. Learn more about national certification.  
 
National Healthy Schools Day Twitter Chat
Moms Clean Air Force is hosting a Twitter Chat on April 7, 2015, as a fun way to promote efforts in schools and share how to make school environments healthier. This event happens on National Healthy Schools Day, which celebrates indoor air and environmental quality programs; whether the program is still in development or fully established. Learn more about National Healthy Schools Day and about the Twitter Chat.
School Nurses: The Voice for Children's Health
NASN and School Nurses Represented at Childhood Asthma Leadership Coalition in Washington, D.C.
The Acting Deputy Director of the Disabled and Elderly Health Programs Group at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) presented about the changes in the Free Care Rule. The CMS "Free Care" Rule has been a barrier to schools receiving reimbursement for Medicaid services. Read more about the Free Care Rule and how it has changed to benefit children.
Health Office Toolbox
Obesity in America
The Harvard School of Public Health estimates that obesity accounts for more than 20 percent of America's healthcare related expenses at about $190 billion. The cost in lives is equally staggering - 18 percent by Columbia University's estimates. With so much at stake, continuing efforts to educate the public about obesity is paramount to fighting this threat to our individual and collective health. Read this guide and view the short animated video.

Shed Light on Accidental Exposures to Liquid Laundry Packets
The American Cleaning Institute is launching a Hands Off campaign in conjunction with National Poison Prevention Week, March 15 - 21, 2015. They have materials you can use including a poster, available in English and Spanish, and an e-card you can share with parents. Learn more and access these resources.
What's Happening
NASN's Calendar of Events lists upcoming events for school nursing professionals.  Events happening soon include:

School Nurse Emergency Triage Training (SETT)
March 21, 2015
Stevenson, Washington

School Nurse Emergency Triage Training (SETT)
March 26, 2015
Lebanon, New Hampshire

Pennsylvania Association of School Nurses and Practitioners Annual Conference
March 27 - 29. 2015
State College, Pennsylvania

New Jersey State School Nurses Association Weekend Conference
March 27-28, 2015
Iselin/Woodbridge, New Jersey

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