MetroWest Newsletter
May 6, 2020
In This Issue:
1. School Nurse News
2. A Message for Grant-funded districts from Juliet Berk
3. Questions for the Group Section
4. Career Opportunities Section
5. Resource Section
- COVID-19 Resources for all ages - Health Literacy Project & Harvard Health Publishing
- Governor Baker's Order Requiring Face Coverings
- Face Covering Video
- School Health Services National Quality Initiative Webinar Offering
- CARE for The Caregivers, Coping in a Pandemic (ON DEMAND)
- Self-Care Resources for Nurses
- Children's Hospital Community Education Initiative Upcoming Lectures via Zoom
- Community Tracing Collaborative Communication
- Youth Health Connection Newsletter May 2020 First Edition
- MA DESE Commisioner's Weekly Update Newsletter
- Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center Q&A update regarding how COVID-19 is affecting the state budget
- Division for Children & Youth with Special Health Needs toll free statewide Community Support Line
- MASSTART Information
- Resource links for Parents/Guardians to help manage childrens' stress/anxiety related to the COVID-19 Pandemic
- CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Webpage Link
- MDPH COVID-19 Webpage Link
- MA DESE COVID-19 Resource Page
- NASN COVID-19 Resource Page
- World Health Organization COVID-19 Webpage Link
- BUOY Online COVID-19 symptom checker for MA residents
- CDC Health Alert Network
- MA COVID-19 Text Message Notification System
- Health Professional Volunteer for COVID-19 Relief
- MDPH Infectious Disease Reporting and Immunization Resources:
- BU SHIELD Resources
- NEUSHA Trainings for School Nurses
- MDPH School Health Services Information
- MDPH School Health Manual
- Massachusetts School Nurse Organization
- National Board for Certification of School Nurses
- MDPH School Health Services Regional Consultation Program Brochure
“Remember: nurses are like icebergs. At any one time, you are only seeing what they are actually doing.”
– Ian Miller
Happy School Nurses' Day!!
It was great to see those of you that could attend at last week's MetroWest/Boston Virtual Regional Meeting! I hope you enjoyed the meeting as much as I did! It was awesome to hear about all of the amazing work that school nurses are doing to support your school communities! Although technology can be challenging, it has definitely helped to bring people together during these times of social distancing!
I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy School Nurses' Day! Thank you for all you do everyday!!
With Gratitude,
Jill
School Nurse News:
Please feel free to send me stories, pictures, news clips, or printed stories about all of the great things that our School Nurse colleagues are doing and I will highlight them here in our newsletter!
See below School Nurse Highlights!
School Nurse Poem!
2nd Edition Healthful Living Newsletter!
Cambridge School Nurses have been redeployed into the hospital:
This was added late to the last newsletter so I want to share it here as well:) Cambridge School Nurses are embracing the challenge and making a difference on the front lines in the pandemic!!! Thank you Tracy Rose-Tynes for Sharing!
School Health staff have been redeployed to the following areas of CHA (Cambridge Health Alliance) since March 16, 2020 .
The Somerville Tent/Swabbing site
CHA 4 West, (Med/Surg Unit)
Everett 6 West, (Med/Surg Unit)
Child Assessment Unit
Adult Assessment Unit
CHA ED
Everett ED
Occupational Health Call Center
Tufts University, Covid Unit
A Message for CSHS Grant Funded Districts from Juliet Berk:
Please use this guidance when making justifications for your budget amendment requests. Vague or ambiguous justifications will not be approved:
In previous communications DPH gave a one-time (FY20 only) exemption for schools to use CSHS grant these funds for emergency preparedness purchases having to do with the COVID-19 response, such as PPE and cleaning products. In normal circumstances, school budgets would be responsible to cover purchase of these supplies.
Because these are normally unallowable costs, the justification should be very clear and specific as to what the funds are being used for. For example, justification such as " for emergency preparedness equipment and supplies" will not be approved. Any supplies or equipment purchased for COVID-19 preparedness/response should state clearly that they are for "COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness/Response".
Questions related to CSHS budget and spending can be directed to Juliet Berk at juliet.berk1@state.ma.us
*QUESTIONS FOR THE GROUP*
*If you are seeking any information from your regional colleagues please let me know and your question(s) for the group will be included here. I can also send your question(s) to the other regional consultants to include in their newsletters to allow for further outreach.
Career Opportunities:
Resources for School Health Staff and Others:
Covid-19 Resources for Students:
For 3-6 year olds:
For 6-12 year olds:
For 13-18 year olds:
Order Requiring Face Coverings in Public Places Where Social Distancing is Not Possible
School Health Services National Quality Initiative Webinar
The School-Based Health Alliance and the National Center for School Mental
Health, as part of their School Health Services National Quality Initiative, are
pleased to host national webinars on innovation and emerging best practices
in school health. Next webinar info:
Care for the Caregivers, Coping in a Pandemic (On Demand)
They also have a resource page available at this link https://www.bucme.org/node/1219.
SELF-CARE RESOURCES FOR NURSES:
Articles:
The Importance of Self-Care for Nurses and How to Put a Plan in Place
https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/nursing/self-care-for-nurses/
Podcasts:
Devine Downloads (Episode 62 features the role of School Nurses)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/divine-downloads/id1450816258
Nurses Need to Focus on Self-Care: Make the Shift Podcast Series
Nurses Need to Focus on Self-Care Today we’re here with Tierra Owen, RN, BS. Tierra Owen, RN, BS has been a registered nurse for more than 12 years, specializing in labor & delivery and postpartum. She recently launched Nursing Ourselves, an online platform and hub to increase nurse self-care.
Meditation:
Jean Watson: The Caring Moment
Upcoming lectures via Zoom!
Registration fee: $40per session / Contact hours: 2.0 /4:30 to 6:30pm (live sessions, not recorded)
Wednesday May 13th – Current Trends in Care of Gender Diverse Youth & Teens / To register: https://bostonchildrens.zoom.us/meeting/register/v5EqcuisrTMok_TQXQZLodk6uE7jccokUg
Wednesday May 20th - Cystic Fibrosis Update / To register: https://bostonchildrens.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUudOqoqT0sHd2zdQFPIwH2gE_WGVUF0ksO
Tuesday May 26th – Caring for the Students Living with Type I Diabetes / To Register: https://bostonchildrens.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMpdu6rqTspE9BqMZ_XuF6OMG6JMNAerO42
Wednesday May 27th – Dermatology Assessment in Children / To register: https://bostonchildrens.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0lce-pqj4qE9A_XFnOkO67GYiywtbtxxtf
Thursday May 28th – Diabetes Technology: Pumps, CGM’s & More (contact hours pending) / To Register: https://bostonchildrens.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEpdOmgqTsvHdyUMhFlXZvZG5_FfRYRerGn
Help Spread the Word:
Contents:
- Board Recap
- Picture of the Week: School Lunch Heroes
- Teacher Appreciation Week
- School Nurse Day
- Free Online UDL Remote Learning Workshop Series
- Preschool through Grade 8 Principals Virtual Convening
- Innovation Pathways Designation and Planning Grant Opportunity
- Spread the Word about 2-1-1
- Health Screenings in Schools Suspended
- COVID-19 Updates from the Governor’s Office
- For Your Info:
- Easthampton High School wins national contest
- More remote learning resources
How is COVID-19 affecting the state budget?
Families and Youth with Special Health Care Needs:
Contact a resource specialist for information on state and community-based assistance
Community Support Line (800) 882-1435 or https://www.mass.gov/service-details/contact-a-resource-specialist-for-information-on-state-and-community-based
The Division for Children & Youth with Special Health Needs toll free statewide Community Support Line provides information, technical assistance and resources for families with children and youth with special health needs and the providers serving these families.
Resource Specialists inform families about all of the public programs they may be eligible for, and about the state and community-based resources that may provide assistance. They answer questions, do a thorough assessment of family needs and eligibility for services and benefits and provide training to families and providers.
From our MASSTART Colleagues:
MASSTART is a free service supported by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Our providers help families and schools plan for the health care and safety of children with special health care needs, especially those who are assisted by medical technology, so that they can attend schools safely in Massachusetts.
During school closures, MASSTART is continuing to take on new referrals, doing video and phone meetings with families, and attending virtual IEP meetings. If you know of any families that could use our help or have any questions regarding medically complex students or students supported by medical technology, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
MASSTART PROVIDERS:
Greater Boston Region, Northeast Region, and Southeast Region:
Stephanie Porter MSN RN
857-214-4333
Stephanie.porter@childrens.harvard.edu
Heather Engholm MPH BSN RN
857-218-4331
Heather.Engholm@childrens.harvard.edu
Central Region:
Melissa Condren, MSN, RN, PNP
Melissa.Condren@UMassMemorial.org
Fax: (508) 856-2609
Lauren Fortier, RN, MSN, PNP
(774) 441-8086
Lauren.Fortier@UMassMemorial.org
Fax: (774) 441-8071
Western Region:
Dorothy Page, FNP, MSN
(508) 856-4155
Resource Links for Parents/Guardians to help manage children's stress/anxiey related to the Covid-19 Pandemic:
Anxiety and Depression Association of America:
How to Talk to Your Anxious Child or Teen About Coronavirus
This resources provides guidance on how to talk to a child or teen about the coronavirus if they may be feeling anxious or stressed.
InfoAboutKids.org:
Parents and COVID 19: Helping Your Children
Resource for parents on how to talk to children about the coronavirus, manage worries and includes prevention tips.
National Association of School Psychologists:
Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource
A resource for parents on how best to talk to children about the coronavirus.
The National Child and Traumatic Stress Network:
Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (PDF, 144KB)
This resource provides information for parents and caregivers about outbreaks, how they can prepare to reduce stress and anxiety, how it may affect your family both physically and emotionally and ways to cope.
National Parent Teacher Association:
6 Ways to Help Your Child Manage Their Anxiety During COVID-19
Tip sheet for parents and caregivers to help manage children's stress an anxieties during COVID-19. This tip sheet was made possible through a partnership between the APA and National PTA.
New York Times:
Talking to Teens and Tweens About Coronavirus
This article details advice from experts on how parents can help teens be prepared and have the right information about the coronavirus.
SAMHSA:
Talking with Caregivers, Parents. And Teachers during Infectious Disease Outbreaks (PDF, 13MB)
Resource provides helpful information how to talk with children of different age groups.
Resource for MA residents to assess symptoms and find the right care.
CDC Health Alert Network Email Updates
MDPH Infectious Disease Reporting and Immunization Resources:
INFECTIOUS DISEASE: ANY infectious disease question, report, or inquiry should be directed to the State Lab at (671)983-6800
NEUSHA Trainings for School Nurses
Northeastern University School Health Academy (NEUSHA) is located within Northeastern University School of Nursing, which is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)’s commission on accreditation. NEUSHprovides innovative face to face and online continuing nursing education to school nurses, counselors and administrators from 40 states, educating more than 7,000 learners since July 1st, 2016. We constantly evaluate professional development needs to provide valuable topics. We also frequently partner with other organizations within and outside of Northeastern to offer contact hours to all nurses.
Face to face trainings: https://neusha.org/visit-neusha/index.php/face-to-face-listings/
Online Programs: https://neusha.org/visit-neusha/index.php/online-program-list/
Regional Consultant Program Brochure
Brochure contains MDPH School Health Unit and Regional Consultant contact information as well as describes the Regional Consultant Program.
*Download RC Program Brochure below:
THANK YOU for distributing this update to school nurses in your district/town! I will do my best to be available to you over the next several weeks. Be safe and healthy everyone!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jill Connolly, MEd, BSN, RN, NCSN
MetroWest Regional School Nurse Consultant
Braintree Public Schools
jill.connolly@braintreeschools.org
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