DECEMBER NEWS FROM THE WEST
Here's what's going on in the West in December (vol. III)
Happy December!
Hello to All,
I hope your year has been productive and going well thus far. Please review December's news and updates.
Kind Regards,
Veronica
DPH 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
CONGRATULATIONS AND KUDOS TO OUR COLLEAGUES IN THE WEST!
Jennifer Kavrakis, school nurse at Mittineague Elementary School in West Springfield recently obtained NCSN certification!
Sue Jurkowski retired at the end of last school year in the Belchertown Public School District! She worked for the school system for at least 12 years
Jen Drees, the school nurse for Lenox Memorial Middle and High School received her NCSN credential last spring, something that she says she has wanted to do for almost 20 years! Jen also shared that she is certified in Healing Touch through the Holistic Nurses Association. She states her skills enhance the care she provides all students. Jen says through this training she feels she is able to more effectively assist students that are experiencing anxiety and pain.
HIV/AIDS Awareness Month
The Domestic and Sexual Violence Intervention Unit at the Hampden District Attorney’s Office is inviting YOU to 1500 Main St. Floor 21 to view their newly decorated bulletin board for HIV/AIDS Awareness Month! The display offers important information regarding HIV statistics, getting involved, and the stigma surrounding AIDS. Handouts on resources for health care providers, HIV stigma fact sheets and ending the HIV epidemic in America have been shared by Rachael Mahoney the Domestic & Sexual Violence Unit Coordinator and the New North Citizens Council.
- New North Citizens Council provides routine, confidential testing Monday-Thursday between 8:30-3:30 pm at #4 Catherine St. Springfield.
.
Compassion Corner
Dear Western MA Colleagues,
Our Peabody School Nursing colleagues and the Peabody community in the Northeast have been struck with several unimaginable tragedies in the past 2 weeks. Beginning on November 19th with the loss of a 13 year- old student after being struck by a car, then last Friday their beloved Superintendent suddenly passed away, and now yesterday another loss with the death of an assistant principal at the High School. Peabody has about 6,000 students in 10 schools
Brenda Wolff is the School Nurse Leader in Peabody. Reportedly the Peabody community is well supported. However, our School Nurse colleagues may appreciate some additional support from us! There is no doubt that these nurses will be doing their best to provide extra support for the students and the Peabody school community while also experiencing their own grief at the same time...it won't be easy. If you are interested and feel comfortable, please send a card or words of support for Brenda and her team.
Brenda's contact information:
Brenda Wolff, BSN, RN brenda.wolff@peabody-ma.gov
Office Address:
Brenda Wolff BSN, RN, School Nurse Leader
Department of Health City Hall
24 Lowell Street
Peabody, MA 01960
Upcoming Meeting Reminders
School And Community Health Equity Needs Assessment (SCHENA)
Attendance is required of all Comprehensive School Health Services (CSHS) district nurse leaders. All school nurse leaders in Massachusetts are encouraged to attend. There is a
fee for the CSHS Nurse Leader meetings. Please register here: https://www.bucme/node/1078
*If having trouble registering, please call 617-358-5005.
Wednesday, Dec 4, 2019, 09:00 AM
undefined
CSHS Interdisciplinary School Nurse Leader/School Psychologist Meeting
Attendance is required of all Comprehensive School Health Services (CSHS) district nurse leaders. All school nurse leaders in Massachusetts are encouraged to attend. There is a
fee for the CSHS Nurse Leader meetings. Please register here: https://www.bucme/node/1078
*If having trouble registering, please call 617-358-5005.
Tuesday, Dec 17, 2019, 08:00 AM
Double Tree by Hilton Westborough , MA
West Regional Meeting
Registration online: https://www.bucme.org/node/1084
Wednesday, Jan 29, 2020, 08:30 AM
Shriners Hospitals for Children — Springfield, Carew Street, Springfield, MA, USA
School-Based Medicaid Program (SBMP) Training
Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided
Agenda topics and intended participants will be distributed before winter break, along with registration information.
School-Based Medicaid Program
UMass Medical School
333 South St.
Shrewsbury MA, 01545
Toll Free: 1-800-535-6741
Fax: 508-856-7643
Wednesday, Feb 12, 2020, 08:30 AM
Chicopee, MA
Clinical Updates
Medtronic recalls MiniMed insulin pumps for potential cybersecurity risks
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.
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
Professional Development and Other Opportunities for School Nurses
Let's Talk About Sex: Health Education Pearls for School Nurses
1.0 Contact hour, $10
Beth Russet, DNP, FNP-BC, Northeastern University Assistant Clinical Professor
20 years as school nurse, midwife, and Family Nurse Practitioner on the rugged coast of Downeast Maine & teaching community and classroom based sex education.
For more information go to: <neusha@northeastern.edu>
Thursday, Dec 5, 2019, 03:30 PM
undefined
New Adolescent SBIRT Webinar Series Launched
"Using SBIRT to Talk to Adolescents about Substance Use"
Four-Part Webinar Series
One of the largest barriers to providing appropriate substance use services to adolescents is getting them to open up about their use and engage in conversation to reduce or eliminate it, if necessary. This four-part webinar series introduces health professionals to the SBIRT model as a way to learn from adolescents about their substance use, talk about what might motivate them to make a decision to reduce or abstain (if needed), and execute a plan to do so. For more information click on the link https://sbirt.webs.com/talking-2-adolescents-series
Thursday, Dec 19, 2019, 03:30 PM
undefined
Announcing 2020 School Nurse Leadership Certificate Series
Transforming Education for Social Justice Conference
The Transforming Education for Social Justice Conference is a regional conference that brings together people in Western Massachusetts who are interested in social justice and equity in K-12 schools, early childhood classrooms, and the surrounding communities.
Participants at this regional conference will examine the specific regional challenges that young people are facing in our education system which are central to their lives and to the vitality of our communities. As we examine the challenges, we will also look to each other for visions and practices that can guide our work towards transforming education for social justice.
Conference sessions will cover a variety of social justice and equity topics as they relate to K-12 schools.
For more information, contact:
Erin Sullivan, Professional Development
413.588.5981 esullivan@collaborative.org
Saturday, Mar 14, 2020, 08:30 AM
Integrative Learning Center, UMass Amherst, MA
Immunization Information and Updates
REMINDER! IMMUNIZATION SURVEY DUE: DECEMBER 13th!
MDPH School Immunization Info for School Nurses
2019-2010 Immunization Requirements
For those who would like to learn more about the MIIS system, updates and the Immunization Surveys please watch the pre-recorded webinar here.
Questions for the Group:
Does your district have an orientation program for new school nurses?
Please forward your orientation practices to: webbv@springfieldpublicschools.com .
The information will be shared with districts developing orientations that have requested assistance.
Career Opportunities
Holyoke High School, North Campus is seeking a Long Term Per Diem Registered Nurse to work alongside the high school's existing second nurse. Approximately December through March 2020.
- Orientation and training provided
- Monday through Friday 7.5 hours daily (Students in session 8:10-2:55 Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., and until 2:05 on Wed. $35 per hour
- Follows HPS District Schedule
- Weekends, holidays, winter vacation and February vacation are off
- Must be a Registered Nurse (RN)
For more information contact Cynthia Carbone, MEd, MSN, RN, Director of Health, Wellness, and Nursing at ccarbone@hps.holyoke.ma.us
NEW DPH career postings on Mass Careers:
For additional information, click on the job links below:
Current DPH employees should use the internal link.
If you share with friends and colleagues, they should use the external link.
SANE II, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), Regional Coordinator for Central MA – Bureau of Community Health & Prevention
Internal Career Site:
https://massanf.taleo.net/careersection/in/jobdetail.ftl?job=190008CF
External Career Site:
https://massanf.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=190008CF
Click Here for more information on DPH Career Opportunities.
Check out DPH on Twitter and LinkedIn
Login Questions: Mass HR Employee Service Center (617) 979-8500
REMINDERS FOR CSHS FUNDED PROGRAMS:
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: Head injury and concussion information for schools, school staff, coaches, athletic trainers, and volunteers | Mass.gov
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.USCHs-
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
School Health Unit Information and Resources https://www.mass.gov/orgs/school-health-services
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