Northeast News for School Nurses!
News and Updates for the 2019-20 School Year
Volume 4: December 1, 2019
I hope you had a chance to refresh and renew this past week during the Thanksgiving break! A few short weeks before we can exhale again and get another Holiday break!
Please keep the Peabody School Nurses and the entire Peabody community in your thoughts over the next several days and weeks. They have experienced the loss of a 13 year old to a car accident, a beloved Superintendent, and a High School Assistant Principal all within a two week time frame. I wish for them peace and strength as the Holiday Season approaches.
Lastly, please send along any Regional news or program highlights you would like to see featured in our newsletter. Don't be shy...it's ok to "brag" about all of the good things happening in your schools. Pictures and other documents that you would like to share are welcome, too!
With gratitude,
Shanyn
Massachusetts School Health Unit Updates:
Greetings from all of us at the School Health Unit! I hope your Thanksgiving break, however you experience it, was restful and enjoyable.
Winter came early to most of us, resulting in an unprecedented (at least as far back as I can remember) cancellation of our December meeting. We are fortunate that our speakers and venue are able to accommodate us for a rescheduled date of Tuesday, December 17th. I hope you are still able to join us for this important time of learning and networking.
As we move into a season that can be very challenging for many of the students, families and staff we work with, it becomes that much more important to strengthen relationships with each other so we can support one another to be there for those who need us. I hope you can also find time for yourselves during this busy time; to rest, to treat yourself, and to spend time with those who bring you joy. Thank you for being a leader and a caregiver every day of the year!
Karen Robitaille, MBA, MSN, RN, NCSN
< she, her, hers>
Director of School Health Services
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Bureau of Community Health & Prevention
250 Washington Street, 5th floor
Boston, MA 02108
617-624-5427
Upcoming Meeting Reminders:
December 4, 2019 Webinar
School and Community Health Equity Needs Assessment (SCHENA)
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
These meetings are required for all CSHS Model Programs and optional for CSHS Affiliate Programs. Those who are registered are able to access meetings and webinars HERE!
Additional Upcoming SCHENA Meeting Dates:
- 1/14/2020 - Webinar: 9:00-10:30 AM
- 2/11/2020 - Webinar: 9:00-10:30 AM
- 3/17/2020 - Live Course: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM, DoubleTree, Westborough
- 4/14/2020 - Webinar: 9:00-10:30 AM
- 5/19/2020 - Live Course: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM, DoubleTree, Westborough
UPDATE: December 17, 2019
DoubleTree by Hilton, Westborough
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
PLEASE note that IF you had previously registered for this meeting you do not need to do anything to confirm your attendance on December 17th. However, if you are now unable to attend or have ANY other questions or concerns, please contact Gabby at the BU SHIELD CME/CNE office at 617-358-5005 or e-mail shieldbu@bu.edu. These meetings are required for all CSHS funded Model and Affiliate programs. They also open to ALL other School Nurses. There is a fee for these meetings. Please register for these meetings on BU SHIELD site HERE!
Friday, January 24, 2020 (Snow Date: Friday, February 7, 2020)
Northern Essex Community College, Haverhill Campus
Room TC-103B
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Agenda Pending
These meetings are required for all CSHS funded Model and Affiliate programs. Regional meetings are open to ALL School Nurses in the Northeast Region and FREE to attend!
Please register HERE!
Resources for School Health Staff and Others!
New Resource Released! How to Obtain Free Demonstration Devices for Commonly Used Inhalers for Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management
Are you a healthcare provider or public health advocate looking to get your hands on a demonstration asthma inhaler device? You’re in luck. MAAP is excited to release a new resource on how healthcare professionals may obtain free demonstration inhaler devices to provide patient education: How to Obtain Free Demonstration Devices for Commonly Used Inhalers for Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management. This resource includes strategies on how to support the correct use of inhalers and a list of commonly used inhalers, including their respective drug indication, medication category, product website, and contact information to request free demonstration devices.
Access and save a copy of the resource here.
Brochure: Trauma Resource Guide for Families and Caregivers
Understanding Child Trauma and Your Family: Here is How you can Help! Trauma-Informed Resources for Parents and Caregivers
A Parent's Guide to Special Education in Massachusetts.
In collaboration with the Federation for Children with Special Needs, DESE previously created "A Parent's Guide to Special Education", a resource for parents and organizations that serve them. Now, DESE’s Office of Special Education Planning and Policy is excited to share the newly developed, online, interactive guide to complement the original. The interactive guide is in the form of an e-learning module. Both the original Parent Guide and the e-learning module highlight Massachusetts' special education systems, and both were designed for families who have children with disabilities. The e-learning module is accessible through DESE’s Special Education homepage or directly at http://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/videos/parents-guide/index.html#/.
NEW SAMHSA Student Assistance Team Guide:
The purpose of this guide is to provide school leaders and administrators with key information regarding student assistance services. In this guide, we review aspects of providing student assistance, including connections to existing school, substance use, and mental health initiatives; key components of effective programming; considerations for implementation; and planning for success. Information provided in this guide will assist school leaders in beginning and/or improving student assistance services and provide guidance on more comprehensive resources for this critically important work.
NEW Upcoming Professional Development and Other Meetings of Interest to School Nurses:
SAVE-THE-DATE! School-Based Medicaid Program (SBMP) Training
In response to requests from LEAs for more training opportunities in person, MassHealth, in conjunction with UMass Medical School, is pleased to announce the dates for February in-person regional trainings throughout the Commonwealth!
Please share this email with others in your LEA who play key roles in the administration of the Medicaid program for your LEA and mark your calendars to save the date for one of the following trainings.
What: School-Based Medicaid Program (SBMP) Training
Who: LEA stakeholders and primary contacts for the SBMP
Where / When: From 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (continental breakfast and lunch will be provided) on:
· Tuesday, February 11, 2020 (snow day TBD): Somerville
· Wednesday, February 12, 2020 (snow day 3/4): Chicopee
· Tuesday, February 25, 2020 (snow day 3/5): Taunton
· Thursday, February 27, 2020 (snow day 3/11): Marlborough
What’s next?
Stay tuned! Agenda topics and intended participants will be distributed before winter break, along with registration information.Please help us spread the word by sharing this information with any appropriate individuals in your LEA.
School-Based Medicaid Program
UMass Medical School
333 South St.
Shrewsbury MA, 01545
Toll Free: 1-800-535-6741
Fax: 508-856-7643
Virtual Home Visit for a Child with Medical Complexity: Online Training Module
COURSE INFORMATION
Learners will be introduced to an approach to the care of a child with medical complexity in the home and community, with insights from a family's experience. Areas of focus in the module include accessibility of the home environment, medication safety, post-discharge considerations, care of medical technologies including feeding tubes and non-invasive ventilation, and opportunities for community participation.
INSTRUCTIONAL TIME
1 hours, 30 minutes
COST
- Accredited Course: $50
- Non-Accredited Course: $0
TARGET AUDIENCE
Pediatricians, Primary Care and Family Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, and other healthcare providers and trainees involved in the care of children with medical complexity.
EXPIRATION DATES
- Approved: 05/28/2019
- Released: 06/11/2019
- Expires: 05/28/2021
COURSE FORMAT
Self-paced, using text and video, with post-test assessments. Requires 80% or higher score to earn CME credit. Online course assessment.
CURRICULUM OUTLINE
Pre-Module Survey
Virtual Home Visit for a Child with Medical Complexity Module
Chapter 1: Meet Jack
Chapter 2: Home Accessibility and Safety
Chapter 3: Medication Safety
Chapter 4: Travel Outside of the Home
Chapter 5: Post-discharge Considerations
Chapter 6: Feeding Tube Care
Chapter 7: Non-invasive Ventilation in the Home
Chapter 8: Family and Community Participation
Chapter 9: Provider-family Partnerships
Post-Module Survey
Boston Children's Community Education Initiative
For questions about payment and registration, contact:
Judi Naar
Phone: 617-355-8431
Fax: 617-730-0591
Email: judi.naar@childrens.harvard.edu
Introduction to Trauma-Informed Treatment with Adolescents
Description: This 6-hour training is designed for beginning to mid-level experienced clinicians as well as direct care staff to improve their skills concerning their work with adolescents who struggle with a trauma history as well as substance use issues.
The core content includes adolescent developmental stages (social, emotional and cognitive), defining trauma, emotional and behavioral traits displayed by those who have experienced trauma, the relationship of trauma and substance use, trauma-informed and trauma-specific best practices within the milieu or therapeutic relationship and coping with secondary trauma and burnout.
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
REGISTRATION: 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
TIME: 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM
LOCATION: Beechwood Hotel
363 Plantation St., Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
Presenter: CHRISTOPHER GREEN
PLEASE REMEBER BREAKFAST AND LUNCH WILL NOT BE PROVIDED, PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY BY BRINGING LUNCH OR PLANNING TO RUN OUT AND GRAB SOMETHING. THERE WILL BE AN HOUR BREAK FOR LUNCH.
REGISTRATION FEE: $35 PAYABLE TO ADCARE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE, INC.
MAIL PAYMENT TO: 5 NORTHAMPTON STREET, WORCESTER, MA 01605
**IF YOU ARE PAYING WITH A PERSONAL CHECK OR COMPANY CHECK, PLEASE INCLUDE A COPY OF YOUR REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION EMAIL WITH THE PAYMENT.**
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS: 5.00
TO REGISTER: CLICK THE "REGISTER' BUTTON ON THE SUMMARY LINK PAGE ABOVE ^^
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT YOU WILL NEED TO SELECT THE APPROPRIATE TAB AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE TO VIEW EACH PAGE OF THE BROCHURE (I.E. SUMMARY, AGENDA, FEES & OTHER, ETC.). CLICK ON EACH TAB TO VIEW THE DETAILS PERTAINING TO THIS EVENT.
IF YOU ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING, OR ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO REQUIRES ACCOMMODATION, PLEASE CONTACT GINA COLON AT ADCARE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE, INC. AT (508) 752-7313; FAX: (508) 752-8111; TTY: (508) 754-0039 OR EMAIL: GINA@ADCARE-EDUCATIONAL.ORG AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO SECURE ACCOMMODATIONS.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Gina Colon
gina@adcare-educational.org
508.752.7313
CLINICAL UPDATES:
NEW Nasal Glucagon:
Medtronic Recalls MiniMed Insulin Pumps for Potential Cybersecurity Risks
People who have diabetes may use the MiniMed insulin pump to deliver insulin for the management of their diabetes. The pump includes a remote controller which is designed to communicate wirelessly with the pump to deliver a specific amount of insulin to the person with diabetes. Medtronic is recalling the specified insulin pumps due to potential cybersecurity risks. An unauthorized person (someone other than a patient, patient caregiver, or health care provider) could potentially record and replay the wireless communication between the remote and the MiniMed insulin pump. This person could instruct the pump to either over-deliver insulin to a patient, leading to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), or stop insulin delivery, leading to high blood sugar and diabetic ketoacidosis, even death. To date, the FDA is not aware of any reports of patient harm related to these potential cybersecurity risks. READ RECALL
INFECTIOUS DISEASE: ANY infectious disease question, report, or inquiry should be directed to the State Lab at (671)983-6800
Massachusetts School Immunization Survey Information and Resources for School Nurses:
For information and worksheets to better prepare for the school survey, visit the MDPH School Immunizations Surveys page. To submit your survey to to the MIIS website.
REMINDER: Immunization Survey Due December 13, 2019!
For those who would like to learn more about the MIIS system, updates and the Immunization Surveys please watch the pre-recorded webinar HERE.
NEW Immunization Guidance for FY 2020-21
At the start of the 2020-2021 school year, school nurses will need to obtain an immunization record for the meningococcal conjugate vaccine for students entering the 7th and 11th grade, unless a religious or medical exemption applies. The immunization record will need to demonstrate:
- 7th grade entry: 1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) for all students.
- 11th grade entry: 1 booster dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men ACWY) received on or after 16 years of age. (One or more doses of MenACWY vaccine are acceptable as long as one dose was received on or after 16 years of age.)
We recognize that this is the first time there will a reporting requirement for high school and that new processes for obtaining updated immunization records for students entering 11th grade will need to be implemented. However, meningococcal disease incidence peaks among young people 16-21 years of age. Implementation of a required booster dose of MenACWY vaccine for entry to 11th grade ensures that everyone is protected before entering the high-risk time period. While Massachusetts college entrance immunization requirements include MenACWY vaccine, young adults who do not attend college are also at increased risk for meningococcal disease. An 11th grade requirement aims to protect everyone in this at-risk age group. We will provide additional information and updates to support schools and school nurses in this endeavor over the coming year.
If you have any questions about these new school requirements, please contact the Immunization Division Assessment Unit at 617-983-4330.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why require meningococcal conjugate vaccine?
MA school requirements generally follow the recommendations of the national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). ACIP recommends that children receive a dose of MenACWY at 11-12 years and a booster dose at 16 years.
What if a student is not 16 at the start of Grade 11?
Students who are not 16 when they enter Grade 11 will need a booster dose once they turn 16.
What if my school has ungraded classrooms?
In ungraded classrooms, Grade 7 requirements apply to all students =12 years and Grade 11 requirements apply to all students =16 years.
Does the meningococcal vaccination waiver
apply to the new requirement?
No. The waiver is for residential students only; however, students are allowed medical or religious exemptions.
What about Meningococcal B Vaccine?
Men B vaccine (brand names Bexsero or Trumenba) does not satisfy the MenACWY requirement.
School Immunization Surveys
Will my school have to report on meningococcal vaccine in my Grade 7 immunization survey?
Yes. The Grade 7 survey will be updated for Fall 2020 to include a question about meningococcal vaccine for all students.
I’m at a residential school. Will I still need to complete a separate residential survey in addition to my Grade 7 survey?
No. The residential school immunization survey will be incorporated into the Grade 7 survey.
Will there be a Grade 11 immunization survey?
Yes. Similar to the Kindergarten and Grade 7 surveys, a Grade 11 survey will be accessible in the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS) beginning in the 2020-21 school year. We anticipate the Grade 11 survey will open in January 2021 with a deadline for completion in March 2021.
Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MCAAP) Immunization initiative
The Immunization Initiative of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MCAAP) is dedicated to fully immunizing Massachusetts children and adolescents against vaccine preventable diseases through advocacy, education, networking and communication of best practices.
Questions to the Group:
From a Colleague in Waltham!
"I'm hoping if anyone has developed a CGM protocol that they would please consider sharing, especially if it addresses expected nursing surveillance throughout the school day. Also, if you've worked with your IT department concerning accepting families into a school's network (ex: tracking CGM readings on a school's IPAD) I'd love to chat.Thank you in advance!"
Please send responses to:
patriciamccaffrey@walthampublicschools.org or call me at 781-314-5462.
"Questions to the Group" can be sent to me at shanyn.toulouse@haverhill-ps.org and will be sent out in the next Northeast News for School Nurses Newsletter.
Career Opportunities:
MDPH Job Opportunity:
SANE II, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)
Regional Coordinator for Central MA
Bureau of Community Health & Prevention
Apply Here:
https://massanf.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=190008CF
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Dear Ms. Toulouse,
I am contacting you today to inform you that we have two Camp Nurse positions available for next summer: one for the June 22 to July 17 session and the second for the July 20 to August 17 session. Camp operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm and is located on Fort Pond in Littleton. Campers are ages 5 through 15 years of age and we will have approximately 80 to 100 campers. Children enroll for 2 to 8 weeks in length. If you would please spread the word to your co-workers and other nurses I would greatly appreciated your doing so. References are available. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Janet Seaward
Co-Director
978-486-8088 camp office
REMINDERS for CSHS Funded Programs:
CSHS MONTHLY REPORT INFO:
The correct link to the Monthly report form is shown below:
https://mdph.checkboxonline.com/MonthlyReport-2020.survey
Questions related to CSHS mandated grant reporting should go to: dph_eshs_data@dph.state.ma.us
All CSHS Report forms and instructions can be found here: CSHS pdf forms 2019-2020
Clicking the link will download a zip file.
CSHS BUDGET QUESTIONS:
Questions related to CSHS budget and spending can be directed to Juliet Berk at juliet.berk1@state.ma.us
State Reports for Non-CSHS Funded Schools:
Epinephrine administration report form
https://mdph.checkboxonline.com/Epinephrine-Report-2020.survey
SBIRT data report form. This is an Excel spreadsheet that needs to be downloaded, completed, and then returned as an email attachment.
Single user version: SBIRT data collection form 2019-2020 (Single screener)
Multiple user version SBIRT data collection form 2019-2020 (Multiple screeners)
If the file does not automatically download, but opens in Excel, click “ok” when prompted then select “save as” and then save the file to a folder of your choosing (you can re-name the file if needed).
Asthma and Diabetes Survey questions may be directed via email to the project mailbox at DPH-BEH-Asthma@state.ma.us or via telephone to 617- 624-5757. Please ask for the Pediatric Asthma Coordinator.
Concussion Report:
BMI report form. This report is required of districts that are not funded through the CSHS program. CSHS-funded districts and schools should NOT submit a separate BMI report. This report is optional for non-public school districts.
https://mdph.checkboxonline.com/SchoolHealth2020.survey
Questions? E-mail your question to: DPH_ESHS_data@MassMail.State.MA.US
MA Department of Public Health: School Health Unit
Contact Information:
Karen Robitaille, MBA, MSN, RN, NCSN
Director of School Health
Phone: (617) 624-5427
Email: Karen.Robitaille2@state.ma.us
Caitlin Pettengill, DNP, RN
Assistant Director of School Health
Phone: (617) 624-6058
Email: caitlin.pettengill@state.ma.us
Juliet Sithole-Berk, MPA, MSCED
Unit Coordinator
Phone: (617) 624-5447
Email: Juliet.Berk1@State.ma.us
Robert Leibowitz, Ph.D.
Epidemiologist
Email: robert.leibowitz@state.ma.us
Phone: (617) 624-5474
Fax: (617) 624-6062
Evelyn Levenson
Interim Medication Administration
Program Coordinator
Email: evelyn.levenson@state.ma.us
Phone: 617) 624-6013
Fax: (617) 624-6062
Click HERE for School Health Unit information and resources!
Statewide Regional School Nurse Consultant Contacts:
Boston
Mary Jane O'Brien, PhD, RN, CPNP, NCSN
mobrien@bostonpublicschools.org
(617) 635-6788
Central
Janet Guertin-Moruzzi BSN, RN, NCSN
(781) 392-7726
Metro West
Jill Connolly, MEd, BSN, RN, NCSN
jill.connolly@braintreeschools.org
(781) 848-4000 x7841
Northeast
Shanyn A. Toulouse, MEd, BSN, RN NCSN
shanyn.toulouse@haverhill-ps.org
(978) 420-1919
Southeast
Ann M. Linehan, DNP, MSN, RN
(508) 580-7363
West
Veronica Webb Barrett, MSN, MA Ed Psych, RN, HNB-BC
webbv@springfieldpublicschools.com
(413) 896-8100
Contact:
Shanyn A. Toulouse, MEd, BSN, RN, NCSN
Northeast Regional School Nurse Consultant
✉️shanyn.toulouse@haverhill-ps.org
Office ☎︎ 978.420.1919
Mobile ☎︎ 978.761.2307
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