National Association of School Nurses Weekly Digest
NASN - Named the Outstanding Partner in Education for the Allergy and Asthma Network's 30th Anniversary Celebration!
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". . . we need to improve care coordination and improve asthma outcomes." ~ A quote from Rhonda Hertwig in a discussion on SchoolNurseNet. Search keywords and phrases on SchoolNurseNet for discussions related to topics of interest to you. [Login to view all content available.] 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
May 07, 2015
School Nurses: Supporting Education, Advancing Student Health


May is Asthma Awareness Month. School nurses are acutely aware that asthma is a serious, potentially life-threatening, but manageable, chronic illness. During the NASN Annual Conference in June, you can learn more about Asthma Assessment and Care during a Breakout Session on the third day of conference (June 26).

This session will sharpen school nurse knowledge and skills to improve care of students with asthma, leading to improved asthma outcomes. Be sure to check out the complete NASN2015 conference agenda for all the learning opportunities at conference. I will see you in Philadelphia!

Thank you for the care you give to your students,

Carolyn Duff, MS, RN, NCSN, President of NASN
Quick Poll
I have promoted asthma friendly school policies for the following ... Take this week's poll.

2015 NASN Supplemental Election
2015 NASN Supplemental Election Open May 11-May 29
As announced April 30, 2015, the selection of an NASN Nominating Committee member must be repeated. None of the four candidates
received a majority of the votes. This NASN online election ballot opens on Monday, May 11. Additional details will soon be on the NASN website and SchoolNurseNet All Member Forum.
Association News
eBook: School Nurse Evidence-Based Clinical Guidelines: Asthma
NASN has released an eBook titled, School Nurse Evidence-Based Guidelines: Asthma. These guidelines are based on the most current evidence of care and outcomes and are sold as an eBook. They provide the evidence for care of children with asthma at school. The eBook is $10.00 ($20.00 for non NASN members). Learn more about this resource.

New Course Addresses Care of Students with Asthma
One of the 14 new CNE courses in the NASN Learning Center is Improving the Care of Students with Asthma in School. This course and 13 other new courses were created from sessions recorded at NASN's annual conference last year. Learn more about this course and others.  

School Nurse Asthma Care Checklist
This resource provides a summary of best practices for the care of students with asthma in school and is available at no cost on NASN's website. Access the checklist.  

Tune in to NASN Radio for Reflections on School Nursing
This segment celebrates school nurses by reflecting on school nursing highlights and the important role of school nurses. Listen Now!

Webinar about Epinephrine Policies
June 4, 2015 - 3:30 p.m., Eastern
As schools work to implement new stock epinephrine laws and there is a need for school nurse leadership to institute strong and inclusive school district policies. Join NASN for School Epinephrine Policies: Implementing New Resources when we will look at the need for policies, the components of a comprehensive policy, and policy evaluation strategies.
Learn more or register.

NASN is an Approved Charitable Organization in the AmazonSmile Program
If you shop on Amazon, you can support NASN by having a portion of qualifying purchases donated to NASN. Learn more by accessing Amazon through AmazonSmile
School Nurses in the News

LETTER: School Nurses Help Students and Community

The Daily Journal, New Jersey

In a Letter to the Editor dated May 6, 2015, National School Nurse Day, NASN member Wendi Carlon-Wolfe, the Lead School Nurse for Millville Public Schools (New Jersey), wrote, "They [school nurses] have acquired the specialized training necessary to manage both acute and chronic health conditions, recognize mental health issues, promote safety in the school setting and serve as the link between the student's health care provider and the school system. School nurses work hard to keep kids healthy and in school. Please join me in extending a thank you to the school nurses who work in our schools caring for our kids and our communities." Read letter.

National News That Matters to You
May is Better Hearing and Speech Month
Among the many observances this month, May is also Better Hearing and Speech Month. In recognition of this observance, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication is encouraging individuals, parents, and caregivers to know the signs of hearing loss, language impairment, and other communication disorders. Learn more about supporting hearing and speech disorders.

New Campaign Brings Education and Awareness to Food Allergy Diagnosis and Management
Visitors to livingwithfoodallergies.org will be able to quickly access science-based information from the American College of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology and other trusted sources, and find a board-certified allergist in their area. The site is seamlessly integrated with the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Connection Team's (FAACT) website, which provides links to local support groups, resources for developing food allergy and anaphylaxis management plans and other resources valuable to anyone who has a food allergy or thinks they do.
School Nurses: The Voice for Children's Health
NASN Represented School Nurses at White House Roundtable for Immediate Responders
Carolyn Duff, NASN President and Shirley Schantz, NASN Director of Nursing Education, attended the Roundtable, Bystanders: Our Nation's Immediate Responders, at the White House on April 29, 2015. This meeting, convened by the National Security Council, was attended by Emergency Management, Health Care, Public Health, Public Safety, and Fire and Law Enforcement leaders to identify actions to empower and build resilience in the general public to save lives.

Medications in the Schools Survey
The University of Iowa, in conjunction with the National Association of School Nurses, has launched a survey to all school nurses regarding medication administration in the schools. We invite you to participate in this survey and encourage your school nursing colleagues to complete it as well. The data is critical in moving school nursing forward and ensuring students are safe in schools. Access the survey.
Health Office Toolbox
Raising Asthma Awareness in Your School
With Asthma Awareness Month recognized in May, how will you raise awareness and take action in your school community? Plan educational events and activities for students, staff, and parents using EPA's Asthma Awareness Month resources, including an Event Planning Kit . 

Free Webinar: Managing Asthma for Improved Health and Academic Outcomes
Thursday, May 14, 2015, 1:00 - 2:30 P.M., Eastern
Tackle asthma in schools head-on! Join Indoor Air Quality experts as they discuss the importance of addressing indoor environmental triggers and incorporating a comprehensive asthma management plan in schools. Register today.

Connect with Asthma Stakeholders through Asthma Community Network Website      
The Asthma Community Network offers access to events, resources, learning opportunities and communication with other asthma stakeholders. They also have podcasts, videos, and webinars about improving outcomes for students with asthma. Learn more.

Support Grieving Children by Teaching Skills to Their Peers
Children, like adults, are often uncertain about how to support a grieving peer. School professionals can equip students with skills that help them offer genuine support to a classmate. The Coalition to Support Grieving Students encourages discussions with students of all ages about death, grief, and ways to offer support. Find resources and learn more at the Coalition's website. You can also learn more when David Schonfeld presents, Supporting the Grieving Student, during the closing General Session at NASN2015.  

Lead Exposure - Tips for Prevention and Public Health Interventions
Primary prevention is the only effective way to prevent neurodevelopmental and behavioral abnormalities associated with lead exposure, but many children have already experienced blood lead levels high enough to impair academic outcomes. Learn more about Lead and Educational Interventions for children.
What's Happening
NASN's Calendar of Events lists upcoming events for school nursing professionals.  Events happening soon include:

New Jersey State School Nurses Association General Membership Meeting
May 19, 2015

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