Happy 2021! I hope the holiday break was restful and rejuvenating for each of you! Yes 2020 is behind us and has created historical memories for all school nurses! Be sure to journal your experiences of the pandemic for yourself, your students and your future grandchildren! Vaccination is on the horizon -- Might this be the light at the end of the tunnel? Vaccine began being available to many school nurses across the state in late December. As school nurses are included in Phase 1A, if you have not yet received your vaccine, contact your local pharmacy or health department or visit: Texas Vaccine Locator.

As health educators, we have the opportunity to educate the public, including our families, staff and parents about the vaccine. With the efficacy rate of 94-96%, presenting facts and science-based information will be an important role for all school nurses as we leap into 2021. NASN supports COVID Vaccination.

This pandemic is far from over! Most areas in Texas are seeing high positivity rates and ICU’s are at capacity! Continue to support each other and your staff as we return to school! Numerous lessons are available from NASN, CDC and DSHS. Utilize and review handwashing, social distancing, mask wearing and staying home when sick so we can safely make the leap into 2021!

With the legislative session starting, do stay tuned to TSNO School Nurse Net for the latest updates. As many bills and hearings require immediate response, be checking SNN for legislative announcements and the potential need for you to contact your legislators. Check out who represents your area and to follow bills at https://capitol.texas.gov/.

Definition of School Nursing

School nursing, a specialized practice of nursing, protects and promotes student health, facilitates optimal development, and advances academic success. School nurses, grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice, are the leaders who bridge health care and education, provide care coordination, advocate for quality student-centered care, and collaborate to design systems that allow individuals and communities to develop their full potential. Adopted by the NASN Board of Directors February 2017.

Do you have the foundational documents necessary to guide your specialized practice of nursing?

• School Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, 3rd Edition describe a competent level of school nursing practice and professional performance.
• Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice, 3rd Edition (ANA, 2015)
• Texas Administrative Code RULE §217.11 Standards of Nursing Practice
• Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (ANA, 2015)
• Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements for the School Nurse (NASN)

Fresh New Beginnings in 2021

The coronavirus pandemic has forced upon us all a year of challenges and shifts in nursing practice. In 2021, however, school nurses will continue to play a critical role in schools and communities by being an approachable and accessible healthcare expert who is trusted by students and families. Your courage, endurance and visibility are core essentials to the education system: I thank you for being a true hero, fighting on the frontlines while keeping your students and staff educated, healthy and safe.

I’ll begin the new year by sharing a few NASN updates, something I’ll continue do in the months ahead. The NASN Journal of School Nursing magazine will now be available online exclusively for NASN members. To ensure continued receipt of new issues and up-to-date research, you must sign up for JOSN's email alerts: Check your email from NASN for this notice and sign up today. School nurses must have access to the science that drives quality school practice for students, so I encourage you to support this change, and tell other members, so they can also continue to get access to JOSN.

More exciting news: A new platform for The National School Health Data Set: Every Student Counts is being developed, thanks to the CDC contract with NASN. The new electronic platform will allow school nurses to directly submit data at the school and even grade level. You do not need to be a NASN member and this is absolutely free. There is POWER in data! Stay tuned for the new platform and encourage other school nurse colleagues to help in collecting data that supports evidence-based practice, school health policy, and advocacy.

We must all continue moving forward with passion, focus, and an enduring commitment to the mission and work of TSNO and NASN. Thank you for your many contributions as a devoted member of TSNO/NASN: Please reach out to me or others on the Executive Board if you have any questions, concerns, or a desire to volunteer more time to the work of the organization. I sincerely welcome your guidance, always.

Happy New Year!

Wishing you Peace and Health,

Francis

NASN President's Message

As we wind down 2020 and look forward to 2021, I want to remind you that we at NASN see you, we hear you, and we are thankful for all you are doing.

This year has been challenging to say the least, but it has also been inspiring to watch our school nurses lead the way for their students in times of crisis and uncertainty.

I wish you happy holidays and good health as we turn the calendar over to a new year.

This will be the last Weekly Digest for 2020, so I'll "see" you in 2021!

Laurie Combe, MN, RN, NCSN

NASN President

BETTER HEALTH. BETTER LEARNING. ™

Online continuing nursing education in the NASN Learning Center is always discounted for NASN members. In many cases, the activities are free of charge to NASN members.

DANA or Diabetes Advanced Network Access created by the American Association of Diabetes Educators is available to NASN members free of charge. DANA connects school nurses with the devices, expertise and innovations shaping the future of diabetes care.

Titles in the NASN Bookstore including ebooks and manuals are always discounted for NASN members.