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.

Happy Back to School,

Most, if not all of us, have returned to school either face to face, virtual or some of both. It has been a crazy start of the year. We are doing both, and the students coming to campus really seem happy about being back. We are requiring masks and so far haven’t had any problems with the students complying. It will be an interesting year to say the least.

Your TSNO Board has continued to collaborate with TEA, the Governor’s office, legislators and DSHS to ensure the safest return possible. You can go to our website and find a list of resources to help you with returning to school.

Project ADAM is planning to do a zoom meeting for us during the month of October related to heart health. It is scheduled for October 7th from 4:30 until 6:00. It should be very informative and I hope you will all be able to attend. Look for login information on the website after the first of October.

In case some of you missed it, we have decided to cancel the 2020 annual conference this year. We agonized over our decision but felt we really had to be role models and coming together did not seem to be a very good idea. We do plan to have a business meeting though as we have a bylaw change to vote on and officers to install. More information about this will be included in the October newsletter.

In this year of uncertainty, I am embracing Tolerance, Forgiveness, & Grace. These 3 attributes will help each of us in those moments of angst in the coming school year. I pray you all stay safe and healthy as you take care of our greatest assets this school year.

Wear a mask. Wash your hands. And don’t touch your face.

Lisa

Laurie Smith, BSN, RN, NCSN

Present Employment: Director of Health Services, Pittsburg ISD, 2009-Present

Education: University of Texas Arlington, BSN, 2012; Northeast Texas Community College, ADN, 2007; Northeast Texas Community College, LVN, 1993.

Professional Organizations: TSNO Nominations Coordinator, 2016-Present, TSNO Region 8 President, 2018-Present, TSNO Region 8 Treasurer, 2015-2018, Member of ANA 2012-present, Member of TNA 2012-present

Awards, Achievements, and Honors: Nationally Certified School Nurse, 2016; American Red Cross Instructor; Valedictorian of RN graduating class; Sigma Theta Tau International member; Pirate Gold Award, 201

Previous Employment: Staff Nurse, Pittsburg ISD 2009-2017; Health, Safety and Nutrition Manager, M. Pleasant ISD 2003-2009; Pediatric Office Nurse, Pediatric Clinic 1993-2003; ETMC Med-Surgical Unit, Pittsburg 1990-1993.

Statement of View: I have thoroughly enjoyed these last 4 years serving as TSNO Nominations Coordinator and look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve in a different capacity as President-Elect. I have learned so much while working alongside excellent TSNO leaders during my service on the Executive Board. I want to continue to be actively involved in school nursing at the state and local level. I want to be a leader for the advancement in school nursing. I have the desire to promote and advance nurses that work in the school setting. I believe that my 17 years as a school nurse will be advantageous to the TSNO. I will use my experience as a school nurse to advance the profession of school nursing in general. I think I offer a unique insight into school nursing at the state level due to my experience in the rural setting, which offers unique and challenging conditions.

Luisa Herrera, BSN, RN, MA

Present Employment: Nurse Educator, Special Education, El Paso ISD, El Paso, Texas, 2015-Present

Education: Sul Ross State University, Masters in Political Science and Public Administration, 2000; University of Texas at El Paso, BSN, 1996

Professional Organizations: TSNO Region 19 President, 2017-2018; and 2007-2008. TSNO Executive Committee Treasurer 2018-present; Nominations Committee Member 2016-2018; NASN Member 2005-Present. Hawkins Elementary PTA member 2007 to 2015. Montana Vista Elementary PTA member 2000-2003, held treasurer position 2001-2002.

Awards, Achievements, and Honors: Nurse of the Year 2016-2017, El Paso ISD; Wellness Team Leader 2012 to 2015, Hawkins Elementary; School Nurse Employee of the Month, Clint ISD, October 2000.

Previous Employment: School Nurse, Hawkins Elementary, El Paso ISD, 2007-2015; Nurse Educator, El Paso ISD, 2005-2007; Float Nurse, El Paso ISD, 2003-2005; School Nurse, Montana Vista Elementary, Clint ISD, 1999-2003; Infection Control Nurse and Quality Management Director, (Lifemanagement Center) Emergent Health Network, El Paso, TX, 1996-1999; Staff Nurse, Oncology, Providence Memorial Hospital, El Paso, TX, 1996-2005.

Statement of View: “Money without brains is always dangerous” – Napoleon Hill

I manage money wisely, and I have job experience in dealing with large sums of money and budgets. I value our school nursing profession. I will continue to serve in the capacity of treasurer to safeguard our funds. I will participate and advocate for future educational opportunities and endeavors to advance our profession.

Adijat Salami, BSN, RN

Present Employment

ALIEF ISD (School Nurse), 2016 till Present

● Responsible for implementing district health services program to best meet the needs of the students and staff on my assigned campus.

● Provide a wide array of health services to students.

● Promote health and safety education for students and staff.

Education

● University of Houston, Victoria, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 2013

● Houston Community College, Associates Degree in Science 2011

● University of Lagos, Nigeria, Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Yoruba Language 1997

Professional Organizations

● National Association of School Nurses (NASN)

● Texas School Nurse Organizations (TSNO)

Statement of View:

After Nursing School, I worked in different settings, trying to find a place where I fit in - a place where I can impact families and communities positively by providing direct patient care and health education not just for individuals, but a whole community. This is what I have found in school nursing. My membership in TSNO and NASN has further broadened my horizon and equipped me with tools and resources to make my practice an evidence-based one. I am a big believer in giving back and being part of something laudable, so I hereby humbly ask to be considered for the position of TSNO Nominations Coordinator. I believe this will help me become a better leader and advocate for school nursing.

Hobbies

Baking, Reading, Tweeting, and Volunteering.

Deana Bunting, RN

Present Employment:

School Nurse Consultant for Region 5 School Nurses. July 2020 to present

Education:

Graduated from Front Range Community College in Ft. Collins Colorado in 1998

Professional Organizations:

NASN and TSNO member since October 2006.

Office positions held: Regional Presidents Coordinator 2017-current

Achievements:

Growth of Region 5 TSNO membership over the last few years. Included in the presentation of the 2019 TSNO Annual Conference on Utilizing the BON Decision Making Model.

Previous Employment:

● Vidor ISD School nurse for 14 years and served as the Health Services Coordinator for 8 years. July 2006-July 2020

● Labor and Delivery at Mid-Jefferson /Medical Center of SETX January 2003-2005

● Labor and Delivery Northern Colorado Medical Center 2000-2003

● Labor and Delivery St. Elizabeth Hospital Beaumont 1998-1999

Statement of View:

I feel such a passion and desire to help educate our local and state schools, educational agencies and general public on the importance of School Nursing. So many people statewide and nationwide have no idea what actually is involved in school healthcare and the huge disconnect between school health and education as viewed by legislation. This is a gap I pray we close soon so that kids in every state, city and town have access to a school nurse at every school in America. In this position as Nominations Coordinator I see such opportunities to really highlight our school nurses by really encouraging and motivating all school nurses to “see” each other and recognize their accomplishments. By doing this we help highlight the importance of our school nurses and their practice.

SUNNY THOMAS MEMORIAL AWARD deadline is fast approaching. All applications must be postmarked no later than October 15th.

The purpose of this award is to promote continuing education for the school nurse. It provides up to $1000 stipend for one Texas school nurse to attend the NASN 2021 conference in AUSTIN, TX.

Details can be found at https://www.txsno.org/abouttsno/awards/sunnythomas

CNE Scholarship

This scholarship is provided by funds TSNO has obtained from conference profits and other donations. TSNO has continued to budget and annually provide educational scholarships to TSNO members who are enhancing their education within school nursing. The individual scholarship amount will be up to $200. Requirements: Current active member for the previous two years, current license as nurse in state of Texas, and current full time employment in a school setting EC-12. Access Guidelines & Application

Education Scholarship

This scholarship is provided by funds TSNO has obtained from conference profits and other donations. TSNO has continued to budget and annually provide educational scholarships to TSNO members who are advancing their education within school nursing. The scholarship amount will be up to $1,000 annually. Requirements: Current active member for the previous two years, current license as nurse in state of Texas and current full time employment in a school setting EC-12. Access Guidelines & Application

NBCSN Exam Scholarship Reimbursement

This scholarship supports national certification of school nurses by providing partial reimbursement of the NBCSN Examination Fee up to $200. Requirements: Current active member for the previous two years, current license as nurse in state of Texas, current full time employment in a school setting EC-12, exam must have been taken in the current calendar year, candidate must have passed the certification exam and candidate is not seeking reimbursement from another source. Access Guidelines and Application

If you've ever struggled to communicate what it is you do as school nurse, you're not alone. The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) has developed a concise framework to help inform your narrative as a school nurse.

"The framework provides a graphic illustration of the key principles of professional school nursing practice, reflecting the organization's stance for evidence-based best practice and providing focus to priority school nursing activities. The framework provides guidance for the practicing school nurse to reach the goal of supporting student health and academic success by contributing to a healthy and safe school environment." https://www.nasn.org/nasn/nasn-resources/professional-topics/framework

I would encourage you to print it off and display it so that is readily seen by you and others. It can serve as a guide when you are asked to develop goals for yourself as you can easily see what elements you are already practicing and what you might not be.

Motivational interviewing is an evidenced-based counseling approach that health care providers can use to help patients adhere to treatment recommendations. It emphasizes using a directive, patient-centered style of interaction to promote behavioral change by helping patients explore and resolve ambivalence.

For more information click here for a 1 hour CNE course from Texas Health Steps.

Brandy Bowlen says she's the guardian of her campus.

"Parents drop (students) off knowing that they're going to be taken care of by me, expecting that there's a school nurse, not knowing to even ask," said Bowlen, a registered school nurse at Klein Independent School District's Epps Island Elementary School.

Access the whole article and video below!!

As this newsletter is written, some schools have begun virtual and/or in-person instruction, while others are waiting until after Labor Day. School nurses have been actively collaborating with school administrators at all levels, local health departments, state and federal authorities, and school community partners, discussing mitigating measures that are essential in the reopening of schools. The safety of students and staff is top priority in this decision-making process: School nurses are on the forefront in establishing readiness and emergency management procedures for students and staff. School nurses are speaking with families to identify those students that need access to medical or mental health needs. Who else but a School Nurse could offer such an abundance of free services and resources for students and their families with the level of knowledge, compassion, honesty, and high ethics?

To help ease the load in finding evidence-based documents, NASN has created more COVID-19 resources for you. These resources are posted on the NASN website for your use:

· Considerations for School Nurses in Return to School: Dental Screening

· Return to School Post COVID-19 Closure Considerations for Students with Disabilities and Special Healthcare Needs (Revised 9/1/2020)

· School Attendance Asthma and COVID-19: Compliance resources for school nurses

· Return to School Videos Series . These videos can be used to educate the school community, students, parents, and teachers.

Stay well and take moments for YOU in self-care and reflection. Do not be discourage in the challenges but allow yourself Grace.

“A sensible school nurse, with good judgment, discretion and enthusiasm, may be a powerful factor in the general improvement of a community." Lina Rogers

In your service,

Francis Luna, MSN, RN, NCSN

TSNO -NASN Director

NASN Executive Committee Member

There will be no in-person Vision/Hearing/ Re-certification or Certification Screening trainings conducted by DSHS Regional Coordinators for the remainder of 2020.

Therefore, we are providing basic training virtually, until we can conduct in-person certification. We will provide participants with a provisional certification valid through December 31, 2021. These participants will not be required to do the practicum portion of the training at this time. However, they will need to sign up for an in-person re-certification class and will have the practicum at that time before their provisional certification expires.

Please check the attached map to determine your county's public health region.

Did you know childhood cancer is the number one disease killer of children in the United States and the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 4 and 14?

ACCO is determined to change these stats and make childhood cancer a national health priority by shaping policy, supporting research, raising awareness, and providing educational resources and programs to kids with cancer, survivors, and their families.

Looking for help?

The American Childhood Cancer Organization provides resources to help families and kids with cancer at no cost to them! Click HERE to request your free resources!

GO GOLD®
AND GIVE

...because kids can’t fight cancer alone.

Spread the word about suicide prevention, and show how we can all take action and make an impact in someone’s life.

Share #BeThe1To’s 5 action steps, as well as resources, tips and messages throughout National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond. Learn about each step and why the steps are effective here.

Online continuing nursing education in the NASN Learning Center is always discounted for NASN members. In many cases, the activities are free of charge to NASN members.

DANA or Diabetes Advanced Network Access created by the American Association of Diabetes Educators is available to NASN members free of charge. DANA connects school nurses with the devices, expertise and innovations shaping the future of diabetes care.

Titles in the NASN Bookstore including ebooks and manuals are always discounted for NASN members.

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

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 Sarah Alexander - Region 15

sarah.alexander@saisd.org

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 Becca Harkleroad- Region 13

bechark.tsno@gmail.com

SCHOOL HEALTH ISSUES Amber Cichockia- Region X

cichockia@cfbisd.edu

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!