The NASN 2016 election ballot is open through April 15th. Hundreds of NASN members have already voted to help determine a vice-president to serve from 2016 to 2018 and a nominating committee member.

After voting, members are raising awareness of the election by changing their SchoolNurseNet profile picture to the "I Voted" graphic.  

Your vote counts!  If you haven't already voted, go to the online ballot, login, and cast your vote today.

Through a collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), NASN members get a 10% discount on a long list of titles in the ShopAAP store, including School Health: Policy and Practice. This is an exciting opportunity to access resources from AAP, a leader in evidence-based practice recommendations. Get more information about this member benefit. 

NASN STRONG members are growing NASN and earning e-commerce credits through a member-to-member referral initiative. Print and/or share at school nurse meetings the updated initiative flyer to remind all members of this opportunity. E-commerce credits can be used towards dues renewal payments, conference registration, and more.

The latest resource on the NASN Policy & Advocacy web page is titled Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) What School Nurses Need to Know. Access this and other key resources.

Let the school community know about National School Nurse Day, May 11, 2016, by placing a poster in your school. The poster is one resource in this year's campaign materials.

NASN member Nancy Manzo-Mattucci, President of the Maryland Association of School Health Nurses, participated in last week's National Education Association's Working Group on SISP.  Learn more about SISP.

 
Preconference sessions are a great way to increase CNE contact hours for conference attendees or an option for those unable to attend the full conference. The preconference lineup on Wednesday, June 29th includes a mental health training session and health assessment session. Visit the interactive conference schedule online to review all session.

Not registered for conference yet? Take advantage of the lowest registration fees through April 15th. Another registration option available this year is registration bundled with a print syllabus. Choose this option and the syllabus cost is discounted. Visit the conference website for details.

The news and announcements list on the NASN.org home page is now on SchoolNurseNet. Get the same information on both of these NASN websites.

The U.S. Senate has confirmed John B. King, Jr., the next Secretary of the Education. Prior to becoming secretary, Dr. King served at the Department as principal senior advisor. "As secretary, Dr. King brings a continued commitment to advancing excellence and equity for every student, supporting educators and elevating the teaching profession, and improving college affordability and completion rates." Read more.

Review the free interactive online learning module to assist school health staff assess a child's readiness to carry and use a quick-relief inhaler. Go to Asthma Management in Schools: Assessing a Child's Readiness to Carry and Use and Quick-Relief Inhaler. View the Student Readiness Assessment Tool.

A new study of middle school breakfast eating patterns DOES NOT support concerns that a second breakfast at school following breakfast at home increases the risk of unhealthy weight gain. In fact, providing a healthy breakfast to students at school is associated with students maintaining a healthy weight. Read more.

The 14th Annual National Healthy Schools Day will be held Tuesday, April 5, 2016. It is a time to educate and celebrate healthful indoor and outdoor environments at schools nationwide. National Healthy Schools Day is coordinated by Healthy Schools Network in partnership with many agencies and organizations, including NASN. To learn more about the National Twitter Chat April 5th, contact gradintern@healthyschools.org or info@healthyschools.org. Access "ready to go" messages and activities. 

Wednesday, March 30, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Eastern
Motivational interviewing is a communication method to engage and motivate an individual to develop a plan to change health behaviors. It uses a patient-centeredness approach including open-ended questions and assessment of reasons and readiness to change. There are many benefits including developing self-management of personal health behaviors. Register now.

Thursday, March 31, 2016, 4:00 p.m., Eastern
The Allergy & Asthma Network invites you to register for the first in its year-long webinar series Advances in Allergy & Asthma Care, "Inhaler Confusion?" You'll hear about the latest advances in inhaled asthma medications. Register now.

Thursday, March 31, 2016, 1:00 p.m., Eastern
Children represent 25 percent of the nation's population, yet there are significant gaps in pediatric disaster preparedness, especially for children with special healthcare needs. Learn more about how disaster planners and the healthcare community can establish an effective pediatric management system. Get more information or register. (Call in: 1-888-537-7715 /Participant Code: 39933371)

Accessible through April 13, 2016
In this American Nurses Association webinar, a panel of health care experts discuss what every nurse needs to know about Zika virus which presents unique challenges to the U.S. health care system. As part of professional practice, nurses dispel myths, examine facts, and review evidence allaying fears and providing quality care. Click here for more information and registration.

This calendar includes upcoming events hosted by NASN, officially endorsed by NASN, and/or hosted by one of NASN's Affiliate school nurse organizations.  Access the calendar. 

This calendar lists special days, weeks, or months dedicated to raising awareness about important health topics. Access the 2016 calendar.