To enhance whole student wellness in support of health and learning by advancing school nursing practice.

Student access to health and learning. All day. Every day.

This newsletter takes NASN’s Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice approach.

As the end of the school year draws ever closer we need to remain vigilant in our duties as a school nurse. Look around for kids that might need help through the summer. Share summer food programs with them and make the appropriate referrals. There are so many children in our state that DO NOT look forward to the breaks because it means they will go hungry.

The legislature is very active with several bills that impact school nursing. You can find a list of the bills we are watching on our website. Two school nurses testified before committee over spring break on a bill related to Asthma and another one related to concussions. This week our President Elect Karen Schwind will testify on the school nurse notification bill. Kevin has been very active on our behalf letting our senators and respresentatives know what school nurses want and what will help us. Even though we didn't get included in SB 3 hopefully an addendum will be added including us. I just want you all to know that TSNO is working hard to get the school nurses of Texas the support and recognition they deserve.

Have a great April.

Whether you are a novice or expert nurse, NASN 2019 Conference offers school nurses with a Higher Climb in your nursing education. Take a step with me in networking with others from around the nation and in learning evidence-based practice and health topics that directly affect student health and your nursing practice. School nurses are change agents in the transformation of healthcare in improving student health outcomes and contributing to a healthier school community. April 15th is the early bird registration deadline. Register today to take advantage of discount savings. NASN has prepared a justification toolkit for you to present to your district for support. There have been many success stories from nurses using this toolkit to enable them to attend. As you know, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

Hope to see you there!

Francis Luna, BSN, RN, NCSN

NASN TX-Director

When: Apr 10, 2019 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM (ET)

Associated with NASN Announcements

This is a one-hour webinar.

Date and time: Wednesday, April 10, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Eastern.

Cost: $20.00 / FREE for NASN Members.

1.0 CNE Contact Hour.

Register now through the date of the webinar through NASN.

Program Overview
This webinar will provide an overview of mental health and common mental health concerns in youth and adolescents and best practices for school nurses to assess for and address these concerns.

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/

Updates from Kevin

See below for the latest bill tracking report!

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.

School nurses gather in Washington, DC for advocacy training, networking with other nurses, panel sessions with professional nurse advocates, and the opportunity to meet with the offices of representatives and senators, speaking out in one voice on behalf of millions of students throughout our nation. Photographs by Joe Luna as he accompanied NASN's Texas Director Francis Luna RN and NASN President-elect Laurie Combe RN as they visited on the Hill.

The 86th Legislative Session is in session at the Texas Capitol. I recently had the opportunity to testify before the Texas House of Representatives’ Public Health Committee. While speaking in favor of HB 2243, I relayed a story of my student whose forgotten albuterol MDI resulted in an ambulance ride and ER visit. As 21st Century School Nurses, we are all advocates for improvement of care coordination and policy development related to patient care.

It was also empowering to promote the specialty of school nursing. Being able to publicly highlight the education, training, and licensure that we have as professional nurses helps to slowly eliminate the long-held public perception of the school nurse’s office as a first aid station. With the legislative session in full swing, now is the time to reach out to your own state representatives and senators to advocate for student health the practice of school nursing. You can go HERE to find out who represents you. Also, make sure you follow TSNO’s legislative priorities and progress by clicking HERE.

Be well,

Becca Harkleroad, RN

Lake Travis ISD

Austin, TX

Go to the NASN website and scroll down to “Featured Content” where you can find the vote now button.

Vote from March 15, 2019 to April 15, 2019 at 11:59 PM Eastern.

Please take some time to meet the candidates who have completed the Nominating Committee process.

Thank you!

The TSNO Leadership Academy 2019 took place on March 22 - 23 at the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel, San Antonio Texas. Thirty nurses were in attendance including Regional Presidents or a representative from the region and the Board of Directors. Activities included and update on the Innovation Action Plan for Membership Growth and a review and update of the Strategic Plan. Professional development opportunities included Transformational Leadership Strategies and a TSNO Advocacy Update. The weekend offered an unique opportunity for professional and leadership growth while collaborating with nurses from across our fine state to carry on our mission: 'To enhance whole student wellness and learning by advancing school nursing practice and vision: Student access to health and learning. All day. Every day.'

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.

April

• Alcohol Awareness Month
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month
• National Autism Awareness Month
• National Child Abuse Prevention Month
• National Distracted Driving Awareness Month
• National Donate Life Month
• National Facial Protection Month
• National Interprofessional Health Care Month
• National Minority Health Month
• Occupational Therapy Month
• Oral Cancer Awareness Month
• Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
• Sexual Assault Awareness Month of Action
• Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month
• STI Awareness Month
• Testicular Cancer Awareness Month
• Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month
• 1 - 7 National Public Health Week – Healthiest Nation 2030: Changing Our Future Together
• 2 Sexual Assault Awareness Day of Action
• 7 World Health Day
• 8 - 12 National Youth Violence Prevention Week
• 10 National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day
• 11 National Alcohol Screening Day ®
• 15 National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
• 18 RAINN Day
• 21 - 27 National Infertility Awareness Week
• 22 - 28 World Immunization Week
• 22 - 26 Every Kid Healthy™ Week
• 24 World Meningitis Day
• 26 - May 03 National Infant Immunization Week
• 29 - May 03 Air Quality Awareness Week

https://healthfinder.gov/NHO/nhoyear.aspx?year=2019

Immunization Advocacy and Rally Day at the Capitol was yesterday, APRIL 02, 2019 in Austin, Texas.

The 86th Texas Legislative Session is officially underway. During 2018, TIP traveled across the state to hear from you about keeping our communities healthy and free from vaccine-preventable diseases, and the importance of advocating to policymakers. Now it's time to turn talk into action!

Texas School Nurses were well represented! See below!

Approximately 300 attendees rallied for the Texas Immunization Partnership and Immunize Texas were present April 2, 2019 on the steps of the Capitol to show our lawmakers that the majority of Texans support vaccines. TSNO was represented at the Rally! Becca Harkleroad, Denise Kablaitis and Karen Schwind visited with lawmakers to share vaccination stories. The primary focus bills were HB 1966 and SB 873 which clarifies child care centers may provide notice of the percentage of immunized children in their facility. The parent right to know HB 3551 and SB 329 reference Parent notification bill regarding Campus Level Non-Medical Vaccine Exemption Reporting.

Karen Schwind represented TSNO in testifiing before the Public Education Committee in support of HB 1517 authored by Representative Coleman. This is the Parent Notification Bill when a nurse is not present on a campus. Some pointers from this testimony included " Upon enrolling and dropping their student with medical needs off at school, the parent assumes there is a licensed nurse to care for their child in the parent’s absence. Parents have a right to know in order to make decisions in meeting their child's needs so they can realize their full potential in education.......Imagine the crisis that may ensue in the following examples:

• The young student who has an asthma attack and is unable to administer lifesaving medication to themselves.
• The student with diabetes who has an insulin pump, sliding insulin to blood glucose scale and a carbohydrate calculation needing to be completed prior to eating lunch.
• The student allergic to nuts who accidentally ingests a cookie from a friend containing pecans.
• The student who has the gastrostomy tube with every 4 hour feedings

For the health and safety of all of our school age children, we owe it to the parents of these children to notify them when there is not a nurse present. Please consider advocating for our children and supporting HB 1517. To read the bill in it's entirety, please visit HB 1517.

Have you heard? TSNO membership drive begins today! How would you like a $175 Amazon gift card? If you refer the most new members then you win this great prize! Think of the money as the equivalent of your membership fees for the following year :) In the event of a tie, a drawing would be the tie breaker. Here’s how:

-Refer a friend to sign up. Have them mention your name on the application. Once they sign up, you email Denise Kablaitis (Member Services Chair) @ denisek.tsno@gmail.com ! That’s all - let's increase our professional voice within the State!!!

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!

Thank you so much for all of your responses!! Look at the results below! Very interesting. Enjoy the data!

In less than one minute, using this short video, find out exactly how to find your Texas Legislators, select the one you are interested in, and find their contact information!

https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cqfeDNZf2Y

ELECTED OFFICERS:

PRESIDENT Lisa Formby - Region 16

lisa.formbytsno@gmail.com

PRESIDENT-ELECT Karen Schwind - Region 13

karenschwind.tsno@gmail.com

TREASURER Luisa Herrera- Region 19

luisa.herrera.tsno@gmail.com

Secretary Kara DeLay - Region 8

kdelay@atlisd.net

NASN DIRECTOR Francis Luna - Region X

francisluna.tsno@gmail.com

NOMINATIONS COORDINATOR Laurie Smith - Region 8

Lsmith1@pittsburgisd.net

STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS:

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Lisa Sicilio- Region 6

lsicilio.tsno@gmail.com

ADVOCACY CHAIR Chanthini Thomas - Region IV

cthomas.tsno@gmail.com

SCHOOL HEALTH ISSUES Adalia Del Bosque - Region 1

adaliadelbosque.tsno@gmail.com

MEMBER SERVICES Denise Kablaitis - Region 13

denisek.tsno@gmail.com

APPOINTED COORDINATORS:

Membership Coordinator Linda Howard - Region 8

lindahoward.tsno@gmail.com

REGION PRESIDENTS Coordinator Deana Bunting - Region 5 deanabunting.tsno@gmail.com

Communications Coordinator Brandy Bowlen - Region IV bbowlen1@kleinisd.net

EXHIBIT LIAISON Amy Huey - Region X ahuey.tsno@gmail.com

EXECUTIVE BOARD LIAISON/ WEBSITE & MARKETING COORDINATOR Kara DeLay - Region 8 kdelay@atlisd.net

Email: bbowlen1@kleinisd.net
Website: txsno.org
Location: Richardson, Tex, United States
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Texas.School.Nurses.Organization
Twitter: @TxSchlNurses

Connect with with TSNO on LinkedIn and grow your professional network!