Wow,

Summer is almost over. I really cannot believe that it is time for school to start. I know most of you are still not sure about how the school year is going to look in your district. In mine, the nurse will play such a big role, much bigger than in the past. It is our time to shine.

We want to help you shine in your district. To help you accomplish this we have links on our website pointing to you to some great information about COVID 19. Don’t forget to go and look. Don’t reinvent the wheel.

In talking about COVID I have to let you all know that the TSNO Executive Committee voted to not have our annual conference this year. We are going to still try to have a business meeting as we need to update our bylaws and swear in our new officers. We will keep you posted on what that is going to look like.

If you have school nurse friends that are not members of TSNO please talk to them about becoming a member. We have so much valuable information to share and some of it is for members only. The greater our numbers the stronger we are. TSNO is working for you in Austin and numbers speak volumes.

As you start back to school remember to wear your mask and wash your hands often. One thing I am reminded about when I wear my mask is to not touch my face. Stay up on the latest information and recommendations but make sure that they are evidence based. There is so much information out there and we have a duty to sift through it and only follow what is evidence based.

In all of this craziness I hope you are taking care of yourself. Take time for yourself, your family and your friends. You need to feed your whole self and I pray that you all are doing that.

Stay well and sane,

Lisa

Greetings Members,

I hope this finds you well, and you had me-time for some well-deserved rest and self-care this summer. I would like to begin by saying thank you to those that attended this year’s NASN 2020 Virtual Conference! Over 1,700 registered from across the nation. Attendees still have time in earning your CNEs by viewing the recorded sessions, poster presentations, exhibit booths and demonstrations.

During the pandemic crisis, the production of NASN educational resources, advocacy and services still drives forward in innovation with a focus to improve student health and school nursing practice. You may have seen headlines along the lines of, “NASN Calls for $208 Billion in Funding for Return to School.” A coalition of public health, health, and education organizations created a letter to inform safer school reopening, which was sent to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Learn more here and share the template support letter with your U.S. Senators: Add your own nurse story to strengthen the letter. You are an essential HERO! ABC7 Interview with Laurie Combe. "This is our time and we must have a clear VOICE." ~ Laurie Combe, NASN President

COVID-19 Resource Center has new updates:

1. Considerations for Post COVID Return to School for Students with Disabilities and Special Healthcare Needs.

2. Updated-Guidance for Healthcare Personnel on the Use of PPE in Schools During COVID-19

3. Updated Considerations for School Nurses When Providing Virtual Care

4. New Infographics

NASN Learning Center Opportunity:

1. Webinar Beyond FERPA: How to find State Laws and District Policies on Student Data Policy (Registration open-Hosted on Aug. 5th)

2. Webinar - Technology Tips, Tricks and Troubles-What to expect with additional diabetes devices at school.

There are updated NASN Position Statements approved by the NASN Board of Directors in June 2020 which are the official position of the organization that can be shared with members, community media, and legislators. Take an opportunity to read and utilize these well-written and -researched documents from NASN State Directors from around the nation.

1. Head Lice Management in Schools

2. Naloxone in the School Setting

3. School Nurse Workload: Staffing for Safe Care

The NASN Executive Board approved in June the NASN Position Brief – Eliminating Racism to Optimize Student Health and Learning. Racism, a public health crisis, threatens the health, educational attainment, and well-being of children and adolescents. The immediate and prolong stress resulting from racial discrimination is likely to have a direct impact on health status: Cultivating change in school systems is key to mitigating the influence of discrimination, as well as addressing enduring racial disparities in student health and learning.

Remember to capture time of reflection to improve student health and your nursing practice as you “hit pause” before school begins. Take some deep breaths, and when an inspiration or idea presents itself, be Bold, Courageous and be Involved in Good Trouble, Essential Trouble for student health and school nursing.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me.

Stay safe and well,

Francis Luna, MSN, RN, NCSN

NASN-TX Director

To learn more visit https://www.nbcsn.org/

Here are a few key pieces we've sent:

TSNO to governor asking for a role in plans

TSNO and TPHC to TEA asking for data

NASN asking TEA for data

TNA, TSNO, Donna Howard press release

Becca Harkleroad, RN, NCSN

Advocacy Chair

As we begin the planning process for returning to school with students and staff, please be sure to take care of you! NASN has published Guidance for Healthcare Personnel on the Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Schools DuringCOVID-19 for our reference with a revision 7/30/20. Review the recommended – Recommended PPE by Task Classification on page 4. If you are exposed to a student with COVID symptoms you should be sure to evaluate the need for:

• Isolation Room
• Head to toe coverage including: Eye protection, N95 mask, hair covering, gloves, gown or coveralls and foot covering.
• Instruction and protocol for how to don and doff this essential equipment.

There are numerous links to references and resources with this NASN publication. Stay protected, Stay well and Take care of you before you can care for others!

Karen Schwind

http://www.txsno.org/membership/jointsno

This is just one example of how membership pays for itself! Stay tuned for more examples!