Listen to the Journal of School Nursing (JOSN) December Podcast, where JOSN Editor Martha Dewey Bergren interviews author Lucine Francis to discuss the article "An Update on State Legislation Supporting Menstrual Hygiene Products in US Schools: A Legislative Review, Policy Report, and Recommendations for School Nurse Leadership." School nurses and researchers are well positioned to provide the evidence base needed to fuel advocacy and policy on menstrual products in school.

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Related Resources: NASN School Nurse Chat: Menstrual Equity

In NASN's upcoming election, conducted online from March 15 to April 15, 2024, NASN members will select a vice president and a nominating committee member. Become familiar with the candidates.

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This section highlights news stories featuring NASN and school nurses. If you have a story about school nurses you'd like us to consider including, please send it to us.

• School Nurses Say They Are More Than a Bandage. Not Every Northeast Ohio School Has One Full Time (Source: ideastream.org)
• FUSD School Nurses Identifying Serious Health Concerns Among Students (Source: abc30.com)
• When Medical Emergencies Happen, They’re Ready (Source: schoolnewsnetwork.org)
• HHS Nurse Wins Virginia School Nurse Of The Year (Source: dnronline.com)
• Reeves Elementary Named Heart-Safe School After Training With MUSC (Source: counton2.com)
• Diabetes Management Ongoing for Students, School Office Staff (Source: schoolnewsnetwork.org)
• Anthony ISD First Ever Full-Time Nurse Is Retiring After 48 Years of Service (Source: kisselpaso.com)
• Local Nurse Named 7 Brew Hero (Source: binghamtonhomepage.com)
• 95% Of Public Schools Conduct Active Shooter Drills. Are Students Safer? (Source: youthtoday.org)
• Excellence in Education: Harrison County Board of Education Accepts Donation to Help School Nurses (Source: wdtv.com)

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey findings show that adolescent mental health has been worsening for more than a decade and that key indicators of poor mental health have reached alarming levels. We need to listen to what our young people are telling us and take action to reverse these trends. CDC released a school mental health action guide that describes six in-school strategies that are proven to promote and support mental health and well-being. The guide also describes approaches to implementing each strategy and examples of evidence-based policies, programs, and practices.

Related Resources:

• Elevating the Role of School Nurses on School Behavioral Healthcare Teams
• Highlighting Key Findings from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report

The school nurse is in a position to recognize and refer children who may be exhibiting signs and symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), potentially expediting proper diagnosis. The NCPD program, Understanding SLE in Children and Young Adults, initially presented at Virtual NASN2022 and now in the NASN Learning Center, provides an overview of lupus in the pediatric population, including risk factors, disease etiology, and assessment and a Lupus Care Plan and a Lupus Transition Plan to help school nurses assist students in making a smooth transition from child-centered care to adult health care. This online professional development program is free for NASN members.

Related Resources: 

• Pediatric to Adult Care Transition for Students with Lupus – The School Nurse Role in Care Coordination and Transition Planning
• Resources for the School Nurse to Support Pediatric to Adult Transition of Lupus Care: A Graduation Gift for High School Students Living with Lupus

School nurses can reinforce students’ asthma self-management skills as we approach winter break. The National Environmental Education Foundation and Hip Hop Public Health, creators of the free EMPOWER Roll Call, combining music, science, and culture, announced the release of the remaining seven tracks and animated videos. EMPOWER aims to inspire young people with asthma to proactively manage their health through evidence-based self-management skills. Each 60-second track and animated music video focuses on key components crucial to living with asthma.

Related Resources:

• Guidelines-based Care for the School Nurse to Create Healthy Environments for Children with Asthma
• Evidence-Based Decision Making - "As-Needed" Inhaled Corticosteroid Therapy for Pediatric Asthma

The COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project’s holiday-themed Come Home Covered campaign encourages all to stay healthy and protect their loved ones by getting vaccinated ahead of holiday gatherings and festivities, underscoring that recommended vaccines are available to adults and children free of cost, regardless of insurance type or status. You can help amplify this message by sharing it with your school communities and on social media.

Related Resources: Building Family Confidence in the COVID-19 Vaccine: Framing Strategies for School Nurses [Toolkit]

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released several new resources to help you share information about Medicaid and CHIP renewals with your communities. Each resource is posted on their Outreach and Educational Resources Page.

• Florida Association of School Nurses 28th Annual Conference - Reflect ♡ Refresh ♡ Refocus - February 2-3, 2024. Learn more and Register

• California School Nurses Organization 74th Annual Conference - Stay the Course Through Advocacy and Support - February 8-11, 2024. Learn more and Register

• Save the Date: New Jersey State School Nurses Association Spring 2024 Conference - SCHOOL NURSES Make the Impossible, POSSIBLE - March 15-16, 2024. Learn more.

• Save the Date: Pennsylvania Association of School Nurses and Practitioners 2024 Annual Conference - March 22-24, 2024. Learn more.

NASN Calendar of Events

This calendar includes upcoming events hosted by NASN and NASN affiliate school nurse organizations. Access the calendar.

National Health Observances Calendar

This calendar lists special days, weeks, or months dedicated to raising awareness about important health topics. Access the 2023 calendar. 

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