
ESC REGION 11 STETHOSCOPE
The Ears of the School Nurse
January 2024
Welcome Back, Region 11 Nurses!
As you gear up for the new semester, we're thrilled to announce that the Region 11 nursing team is here to support you until March 2024 at no cost to you! We're committed to your success, and exciting plans for the future are already in motion.
Don't miss out on the valuable resources and professional development opportunities lined up in this newsletter. It's your gateway to staying updated and empowered in your crucial role. Join us on this journey towards excellence — explore the upcoming events and resources, and let's make this semester the best one yet!
Please reach out with any questions, concerns, or needs.
— Shelby
"Celebrate endings — for they precede new beginnings"
— Jonathan Lockwood Huie
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
January 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, also known as Wear Blue Day!
Join the Department of Family Protective Services every Thursday in January with subject matter experts over the lunch hour to speak about various human trafficking intersections and topics. The recorded webinars will be available after the live event. REGISTER FOR WEBINARS HERE
January 4, 2024: From the Street for the Street: A Lived Experience Lens
January 11, 2024: Reducing Vulnerabilities for Human Trafficking (Reminder — Wear Blue Day #WearBlueDay)
January 18, 2024: Business Models in Human Trafficking Investigations
January 25, 2024: Collaborative Settings: Building Partnerships and a Coordinated Response to Serve all Human Trafficking Survivors
January 31, 2024: Human Trafficking and Persons with Disabilities: Intersections and Opportunities for Prevention, Intervention, and Healing • REGISTER HERE
Human Trafficking Prevention Course is Required to Renew Nursing License
Human Trafficking Prevention: Board Rule 216.3(i)
Any nurse who provides direct patient care must complete a human trafficking prevention course that is approved by the Executive Director of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) that covers identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking before the end of every licensing period (applicable to licensure renewals on or after September 1, 2020). Please visit the HHSC Health Care Practitioner Human Trafficking Training webpage for information on approved trainings.
CNE contact hours completed for this requirement may count towards the completion of the 20 contact hours of CNE required for all nurses. NOTE: A course in human trafficking prevention approved by HHSC is required to be completed for each renewal. However, that course may or may not provide board-approved CNE to be applied toward renewal. Please reference the requirements within Board Rule 216, which are detailed on this webpage, for CNE contact hours to be Board approved.
Certification may not be used to fulfill this requirement; an HHSC-approved course, as described above, must be completed.
APRNs may use Category I CME from an approved course towards renewal.
Background: House Bill (HB) 2059 is responsible for the Human Trafficking Prevention CE requirement for select nurses. This bill was passed during the 2019 Texas Legislative session, adding Sections 116.002 and 301.308, among others, to the Texas Occupations Code. As a result of HB 2059, HHSC will adopt rules to implement Texas Occupations Code Chapter 116, a new chapter being added to the Texas Occupations Code, effective September 1, 2019. This bill also requires HHSC to approve training courses on human trafficking, including at least one that is free of charge, post the list of approved trainings on the HHSC website, and update the list of approved trainings as necessary. You can read the final copy of HB 2059 by clicking here.
January School Nurse Huddle: Thursday, January 25, 2024 • 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Join us for the virtual School Nurse Huddle, a dynamic and engaging event designed exclusively for school nurses and health services personnel. This year, thanks to the Nursing Grant, the event is free, making it an invaluable opportunity to enhance your school nurse practice without any financial burden.
During the event, you will have the chance to connect with fellow school nurses from across the region, creating a vibrant professional learning community. We have curated a lineup of esteemed speakers who will share their expertise and insights, providing you with fresh ideas and innovative approaches to improve your school nurse practice.
The School Nurse Huddle offers a diverse range of sessions covering various topics relevant to your role. Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge in student health assessments, emergency response protocols, mental health support, or any other area of interest, we've got you covered. Our speakers are passionate about empowering school nurses and ensuring the well-being of students.
In addition to the enlightening sessions, we prioritize fostering connections and networking opportunities among participants. Engage in open discussions, share best practices, and exchange valuable insights with your peers. This event serves as a platform for collaboration, allowing you to seek advice, ask questions, and receive support from experienced school nurses who understand the unique challenges and triumphs of your profession.
Don't miss this chance to elevate your school nurse practice and expand your professional network. Register now and join us in creating a stronger, more informed, and connected community of school health professionals.
Hearing, Vision, and Spinal Certification
Unfortunately, Hearing, Vision, and Spinal certification courses are no longer held at the ESC. Please reach out to Sheron Fountain from DSHS to inquire about upcoming classes.
Texas Risk Assessment for Type 2 Diabetes in Children: Acanthosis Nigricans
Safe Firearm Storage Resources: Information for School Districts and Open--Enrollment Charter Schools to Assist with New Legislative Requirements
House Bill 3, Section 19 (88th Texas Legislature) requires the Texas School Safety Center, in collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), to provide to each school district and open-enrollment charter school information and other resources regarding the safe storage of firearms, including information on section 46.13 of the Texas Penal Code, for distribution by the district or school.
The Texas DPS has created a public relations campaign – Keep ’Em Safe Texas – that offers free downloadable resources to promote safe gun storage.
Districts must provide this information to the parent or guardian of each student enrolled in the district or school. The Texas School Safety Center recommends districts provide this information twice annually – once at the beginning of the school year and once at the end of the school year.
Keep ’Em Safe Texas Resources
In the educator toolkit below, you will find links to resources in English and Spanish to assist districts with meeting this legislative mandate. Districts may select the resources and formats that best fit their needs.
Keep ’Em Safe Texas Educator Toolkit
Parent Letter
The Texas School Safety Center has also prepared a parent cover letter template that districts may adapt to introduce the resources above and provide parents with information on section 46.13 of the Penal Code.
Parent Letter Template - English
Parent Letter Template - Spanish
Upcoming ESC Region 11 Professional Development
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Youth Mental Health First Aid (Virtual)
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
AHA HeartSaver K-12 CPR/ AED/ First Aid
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Trauma-Informed Care for Educators (Virtual)
Monday, February 5-6, 2024
Drug Impairment Training for Educational Professionals (DITEP) Two-Day Course
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Drug Impairment Training for Educational Professionals (DITEP) REFRESHER One-Day Course
Thursday, February 15, 2024
AHA HeartSaver K-12 CPR/ AED/ First Aid
Online Self-Paced Course
McKinney-Vento (Students Experiencing Homelessness) Overview Training
Other Professional Development Sources
Operationalizing School Behavioral Threat Assessment Session
If you serve on a school behavioral threat assessment team, the Texas State School Safety Center (TxSSC) encourages you and your team to register today for an Operationalizing School Behavioral Threat Assessment Technical Assistance Session. TxSSC staff with expertise in school behavioral threat assessment conduct the session as a round table discussion. The session will address the individual needs of your district and result in an action plan with concrete suggestions to help you enhance your SBTA process. Come with your questions, challenges, and concerns.
Starting in January 2024, participating districts will be entered into a monthly drawing to win a $100 Amazon gift card!
Why should my team attend an OSBTA TA session?
Participating districts will receive up to two hours of dedicated time from the TxSSC School Behavioral Threat Assessment Specialist and an individualized action plan containing recommended high-leverage steps to grow your threat assessment program. A TxSSC team member will provide continued support for the implementation of your action plan.
How does the OSBTA technical assistance session differ from the basic and advanced training?
The Technical Assistance session is structured so that the TxSSC School Behavioral Threat Assessment Specialist serves as a "think partner" with your team and provides targeted assistance by discussing questions and challenges your district is currently facing as you implement the SBTA process.
What will the action plan address?
The action plan will be based on the individual needs of the district and include a timeline for implementation. Action items will align with the 8 Steps to Building a School Threat Assessment Program and best practices. The action plan will be based on TxSSC recommendations.
What Other Districts Are Saying About the OSBTA TA Sessions:
- "The session was very informative and gave us a clear pathway to follow."
- "The session was excellent and very helpful. I feel better about the process now."
- "The training provided information that was useful for the team to hear. The importance of having the same alignment with the process was valuable."
Districts who participate in the sessions and complete a survey will have one entry toward a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card. Completion of all four post-surveys will allow the district to have four opportunities to be awarded a gift card!
For more information about Operationalizing School Behavioral Threat Assessment virtual technical assistance sessions, please email txssc_opsbta@txstate.edu.
Updates to Standards of Care in Diabetes- The American Diabetes Association 2024
Join Know Diabetes by Heart™ for a presentation on the Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024 (Standards of Care) from the American Diabetes Association® (ADA). Dennis Bruemmer, MD, PhD, will highlight important updates to this year’s Standards of Care and how those changes impact clinical care, especially as they relate to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Date: Friday, January 26, 2024
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. CST
Cook Children's Professional Development
2023 Diabetes Workshop for School Nurses (Virtual) Recorded Webcast
- 2024 School Nurse Symposium • Thursday, June 13, 2024 (Registration will open in spring 2024)
Texas Children's Hospital Professional Development: All Classes $5 and 1 Contact Hour
January
1/30/2024 • 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Nursing Management of GI Issues in the School Setting
1/30/2024 • 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Nursing Management of First Aid, Triage & Emergencies in the School Setting
February
2/27/2024 • 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Nursing Management of Infectious Diseases in the School Setting
2/27/2024 • 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Nursing Management of Allergies & Anaphylaxis in the School Setting
March
3/26/2024 • 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Nursing Management of ADHD in the School Setting
3/26/2024 • 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Nursing Management of Eye Injuries & Illnesses in the School Setting
April
4/30/2024 • 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Nursing Management of Nutrition in the School Setting
4/30/2024 • 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Nursing Management of Anxiety & Panic Attacks in the School Setting
The School Law First Aid Kit for School Nurses • Webinar
School nurses serve a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of thousands of children each day in the unique and complex school setting. In this webinar, Attorneys Andrew Tatgenhorst and Amber King lead a discussion on hot topics and trending legal issues specific to school nurses, including their role in supporting and serving students with disabilities and the emerging issues of medical marijuana and opioid antagonist medications.
TxSSC Workshops and Series
Trauma-Informed Care Workshop for Educators — Elementary
Trauma-Informed Care Workshop for Educators — Secondary
School Safety Prevention and Management Lunch and Learn Series
Opioid Antagonist Requirements
An open-enrollment charter school or private school may choose to adopt a policy.
Opioid Prevention Resources
General Resources
Bare Dermatology: Your Partner in Student Wellness
Bare Dermatology understands the incredible challenges you face daily, from tending to broken bones to managing complex physician orders. Juggling these responsibilities requires a reliable network of resources, and Bare Dermatology is here to partner with you!
Comprehensive Skin Care Services
If you have a student or staff member dealing with a skin condition — be it a rash, acne, bug bite, skin cancer, STI, eczema, psoriasis, or any chronic or acute skin issue — consider Bare Dermatology your go-to solution. Our providers are equipped to handle diverse dermatological needs.
Accessible Care for All
We accept all major insurance plans, including Medicaid, and offer flexible payment plans and options for the uninsured and underinsured. Our commitment is to make quality dermatological care accessible to everyone.
Multiple Locations for Convenience
With world-class providers in various locations — Allen, Aubrey, Dallas, Gainesville, Melissa, and Rockwall — we aim to provide accessible dermatological care where it's needed most. Additionally, telemedicine visits are available at our Aubrey location for added convenience.
School Nurse Dedicated Contact
For more information about our services and how we can collaborate to enhance access to care for your students and staff, please reach out to Shealee Mitchell, our Executive Director of Culture and Experience, at smitchell@barederm.com.
Bare Dermatology is excited to embark on this partnership with you, contributing to the well-being of your school community. Let's work together to ensure that quality dermatological care is within reach for everyone!
SADS Foundation: Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes
The Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) Foundation exists to save lives and support the families of children and young adults who are genetically predisposed to sudden death due to heart rhythm abnormalities.
SADS Foundation Goals:
- Increase Awareness of SADS Foundation and SADS Warning Signs — Increase the general public’s knowledge of the warning signs that may identify the child or adult at risk for sudden cardiac death.
- Enhance Patient and Family Support — Provide information, resources, and support to assist children and their families in making informed medical decisions and living and thriving despite the challenges of these conditions.
- Expand Education to Health Professionals — Facilitate early recognition and accurate diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm abnormalities by ensuring that healthcare providers have all available current and relevant information.
- Increase Advocacy for Research, Screening (Diagnosis), and Medical Treatment — Encourage increased arrhythmia research, nondiscriminatory treatment, and efforts that will improve the quality of life for patients with heart rhythm abnormalities.
Join a Professional Organization
Join NASN
National Association of School Nurses membership includes automatic membership to the Texas School Nurses Organization (TSNO) — two memberships in one!
NASN 2024 Stronger Together Conference
In Person: Chicago, Illinois | June 28- July 1, 2024
Virtual: July 8-10, 2024
Registration Opens Soon!
Become A Nationally Certified School Nurse!
"Why certify? Board certification in school nursing is a formal recognition of advanced knowledge, competence, and a personal commitment to excellence in the specialty practice of school nursing on behalf of the better health and education of school-age children."
This certification validates your knowledge and skills and elevates the school nursing profession nationally.
Learn more about it at the NBCSN website.
Get in Touch: Contact Us Today!
Shelby Lampley, B.S.N., RN — Nurse Manager
Email: slampley@esc1.net
Website: www.esc11.net/nurse
Location: 1451 South Cherry Lane, White Settlement, TX, USA
Phone: 817-740-7656
Join the ListServ
Let your school nurse colleagues know about our newsletter and how to sign up!
- Visit www.esc11.net/nurse
- Click on the purple envelope to the right of the screen.
- Fill out your information and select SCHOOL NURSE from the drop-down button.
- Reply to the confirmation email and become a part of the ESC 11 school nurse listserv for access to the newsletter and other events and information from our department!