Texas School Nurses Organization

President's Message

Spring is right around the corner. I don’t think Texas can decide what season it really is. It seems like we can see all four seasons in one day. Your executive committee is busy preparing for the Regional President’s meeting and planning for our Annual Conference to be held in November. There are several regional conferences coming up and as we receive notification of them we will add them to our website. We also have our legislative priorities and what is happening with bills that affect school health on the website. This is updated weekly.

As the end of the school year draws closer it seems like our lives get busier. Take the time to pamper yourself, relax and just breathe. You can’t take care of anyone if you don’t take care of yourself first.

Lisa

Framework - Standards

Cannabis in Schools

Laurie G. Combe, MN, RN, NCSN

Legislation surrounding the medicinal use of cannabis containing products is creating a rapidly changing environment in many states, including Texas. School nurses are charged with practicing within the standards set forth by federal, state and local entities. The attached article provides a brief overview of the topic and encourages school nurses to seek further education to inform their practice.

There are also so many useful articles and posts on School Nurse Net! Click the link and search "Cannabis in Schools" https://schoolnursenet.nasn.org/browse/latestdiscussions

NASN Update News**

NASN Update News –

At the NASN January meeting, several NASN Position Statements were approved by the NASN Board of Directors.

They include:

· Electronic health Records An Essential Tool for School Nurses to Keep Students Healthy

· Recess, Supporting Scheduled; and

· Transition Planning for Students with Healthcare Needs.

You can find these and so many more on the main NASN website, just scroll down and click on Position Statements under the Resources and Publications section. These Position Statements are evidence-based papers summarizing the historical, political, and/or scientific aspects regarding a topic related to school nursing, school health services and/or NASN about which NASN should take a stance. It is the official position of the organization that can be shared with members, community media and legislators.

Please reach out to me if you have any questions.

In your service,

Francis Luna, BSN, RN, NCSN

NASN-TX Director

Francisluna.tsno@gmail.com

NASN2019 Justification Toolkit

NASN has once again developed an Annual Conference Justification Toolkit. You can use this toolkit to begin planning your trip to NASN2019 next summer in Denver, Colorado. The toolkit includes event details including registration fees, hotel rates, preconference fees, and an attendance rationale you can share with your employer. Currently, we are in the process of reviewing and finalizing general session speaker lineup, as well as determining the top workshops, breakout sessions, and exhibitors.

National Certification

The Nationally Certified School Nurse credential reflects competence and professionalism. To earn the NCSN a nurse must demonstrate a high level of education, clinical practice experience and knowledge.

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

TSNO is supported by Legislative Attorney Kevin Stewart

Updates from Kevin

See below for the latest bill tracking report!

School Nurse of the Year

Do you know a great nurse? Share all that she (he) does for students, faculty, and community by nominating that nurse for Texas School Nurse of the Year. One applicant per region, must be submitted through the Region President. For application go to: http://www.txsno.org/abouttsno/awards/schoolnurseoftheyear

Is your School Nurse Administrator head and shoulders above the rest? Do you want to recognize him or her for their leadership in school health? Then recognize them for the School Nurse Administrator of the Year award. For more information go to: http://www.txsno.org/tsno/abouttsno/awards/schoolnurseadministratoroftheyear

Applications due by June 15th.

A Word from President-Elect Karen Schwind

Several TSNO members attended the 2019 Nurse Day at the Capitol on February 18th and 19th. We were able to visit with many legislators and share the Texas Nurse Association Agenda and our School Nurse Agenda! TSNO members present included:

Amber Cichocki, Region 10

Becca Harkleroad Region 13

Brittany Bartek Region 13

Chantini Thomas Region 4

Francis Luna Region 10

Loree LaChance Region 13

Karen Schwind Region 13

We were proud to represent TSNO and allow our legislative voices be shared with TSA nurses and many legislators!

Please review the 2019 TSNO Agenda which includes School Nurse personnel notification, emergency asthma medication, Concussion oversight team, removal from play and the Board of Nursing. The details of these bills can be found here. Additionally, there is a one page explanation for the emergency asthma medication and concussion bills that may be sent your your legislators found here. Imagine the impact if every legislator heard from a school nurse in there region! Call them - email them (from your personal, not work email) and mail them information. As their constituents, they want to hear from you!

Additional information can be found on the TSNO website on the Legislative Priorities page. Go to Texas Legislative Online for contact information in the "Who Represents Me?" section and specific bill information. If you have questions, contact your Advocacy Chair Chantini Thomas or President Elect Karen Schwind.

Did you know...

The TSNO website has a "Resource" link with so much valuable information in just one click of the mouse! Examples include advocacy tools, AED's, asthma resources, confidentiality, diabetes care manual, federal agency links, food allergies, models, IHP Templates (my personal favorite), position statements, Scope and Standards, and so much more! Check it out at this link:

http://www.txsno.org/tsnoresources

Are you a School Nurse?

Are you willing to participate in a research study to share your experiences and perceptions about working with children who are homeless?

You are eligible to participate if you:

· Have worked as a school nurse for a minimum of 1 school year and are currently providing direct nursing care to elementary school-aged children in grades PK-5

· Are English speaking

· Are computer literate with access to a computer with Internet service and email for electronic communications

· Are available to meet and complete semi-structured interview guide in person or by phone

If you are interested, please contact:

Michele Wilson MSN, RN

UTMB Doctoral Candidate

Email: mmwilson@utmb.edu

Phone: (512)789-4933

For each completed interview, you will receive a $10 gift certificate.

This study is under the direction of Yolanda Davila Ph.D., RN (409)772-8237

and has been approved by

UTMB Institutional Review Board.

All participation is voluntary.

Kinder-12th Grade Provisional Enrollment Vaccine Dosing Schedule

A provisional enrollment dosing schedule was created to assist schools in correctly enrolling students provisionally. The Provisional Enrollment Vaccine Dosing Schedule provides information on the required vaccine, dose, and intervals between subsequent doses for students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade and can be accessed online.

On Saturday, April 13th the non-profit, Healthy City, will be hosting the 4th-annual Food Is Medicine event in Midland, Texas. This is an all-day seminar for the public and clinicians about plant-based nutrition. It is approved for CNE so any nurses who attend will receive credit. Tickets are $27. The speakers for this year include Dr. Michael Greger, Dr. Scott Stoll, Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, and Dr. James Loomis. You can learn more about our event https://www.ourhealthycity.com/events/food-is-medicine-2019

New Membership Corner sharing segment!

Don't sit quietly, use your voice! Every month I will post a question, and will share your answers in next month's newsletter! Access the question of the month below!