SNC Newsletter April 2025 No. 10
February 28th, 2025
Protect your spring break plans and get a flu shot now
Washington state is seeing its highest level of flu activity
in seven years
Flu cases remain high across much of the country, including Washington state, as the CDC warns this is the first “high severity season” in seven years.
As spring break approaches, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is strongly urging those who haven’t yet received a flu shot to do so as soon as possible.
WASHINGTON POISON CENTER
We're expanding access with new
text & online chat services
In celebration of National Poison Prevention Week (March 16-22, 2025), Washington Poison Center (WAPC), Washington’s nonprofit resource on poison prevention and drug safety, has launched new text and online chat features. These enhancements increase the public’s access to WAPC’s specially trained pharmacists and nurses through text messaging and a web-based chat platform, in addition to the traditional phone service.
To access WAPC’s services:
- Text 206-526-2121
Visit wapc.org to initiate a live chat
Call the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222
Beyond Bandaids Podcast
Hosted by NASN CEO Terri Hinkley
The new Beyond Bandaids podcast goes beyond the basics of school nursing to explore the real challenges, triumphs, and evolving role of school nurses in shaping student health and well-being. Each episode brings expert guests, policy insights, and real-world stories to help school nurses stay informed, inspired, and empowered. Don’t miss an episode.
Epi Nasal Spray neffy® Expands For Use in Young Children
FDA has approved a 1 mg dose of neffy, the first epinephrine nasal spray, for use in children ages 4 and older weighing 33 to 66 pounds.
Epinephrine is the first line of treatment for anaphylaxis. The needle-free device, first approved last year, is the first of several new epinephrine treatment options expected in the coming years.
Caring for Students with Seizures and Epilepsy
School nurses play a critical role in ensuring the safety of students with epilepsy in school by providing chronic disease management, educating on seizure safety, and bridging the gap between the school, students, and underutilized community-based services.
Visit NASN’s Coordinated Support System for Students with Epilepsy program page to discover multiple NCPD programs and resources to help you support the needs of students with epilepsy during school and as they transition out of high school.
MEASLES: IT'S MORE THAN JUST A RASH
Measles cases are increasing around the US. Measles is a highly contagious, airborne virus that spreads through coughing or sneezing. Measles can live in the air for 2 hours after an infected person leaves an area. It spreads rapidly, 9 out of 10 people who are not immune will contract Measles if they come into contact with the virus.
Watch for the symptoms:
- High fever
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Cough
- Rash - flat red spots that begin at the hairline and spread downward
There is no treatment for measles, immunization is the best protection.
Safety Study Hall
New Department of Health Resource Website
Our new Safety Study Hall website is a library for schools, students, and families to learn more about prevention strategies, answers to common questions, and resources for key safety topics.
• Overdose symptoms and response
• Secure storage of prescription drugs
• Secure storage of over-the-counter medications
• Secure storage of firearms and ammunition
• Data on substance use trends
Respiratory Illness One-Pager
DOH has published the Respiratory Virus Illness Guidance One-Pager (PDF) that summarizes existing DOH guidance on what to do when you are sick with COVID-19 or another respiratory virus. The new one-pager replaces the COVID-19 Decision Trees for the General Public. The one-pager is intended for the general public and non-health care settings, such as schools and child cares. It does not apply to health care settings, correctional facilities, or homeless shelters. This guidance does not replace specific guidance for viruses that transmit through the air and require special control measures, such as measles and avian influenza.
HearMeWA - 24/7 Helpline for Washington Youth
HearMeWA is a program for young Washingtonians up to age 25 created by the WA State Attorney General’s Office. We are committed to being antiracist, trauma-informed, and youth-centered in the services we offer.
Get more information on how to talk about and build awareness for HearMeWA by using the free marketing materials available for download.
School Nurse Photo Submission
We Want to See YOU!
Please share your best school nurse selfies or photos with us for a chance to be featured on our social media, website, and more. Showcase your school pride, nursing team, health office, and what you enjoy doing.
No photos of students, please!
Health Equity Best Practices & Strategies in Education
April 10th : 2PM - 4PM PT via Zoom
A webinar for nursing faculty that focuses on integrating health equity
principles into nursing education.
In this engaging webinar hosted by the Washington Center for Nursing (WCN) and the Council for Nursing Education in Washington State (CNEWS), participants will explore effective strategies to address bias, cultural humility, and social determinants of health to enhance their teaching practice and prepare future nurses to be advocates for health equity in their communities.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage and collaborate with fellow educators in fostering a more equitable healthcare environment. Register today!!
This event is free. Participants will be eligible to receive two hours of health equity continuing education credit through WCN.
McKinney-Vento and School Health Care Services
Webinar: Thursday, April 15th, 3:00pm-4:00pm PT
This webinar led by OSPI Homeless Ed will focus on Health Care Services and the McKinney-Vento Act. We will explore how health care service requirements effect our student's experiencing homelessness. The intended audience for this webinar is McKinney-Vento liaisons, building points of contacts, registrars, clerks, nurses, and anyone working with students experiencing homelessness.
Register on pdEnroller - clock hours available
Upcoming DISH Session
Diabetes Care Plans and School Orders in Washington
April 16, 2025 - 3PM - 4PM PT - Register on pdEnroller
Clock hours available
Equity in Action Dismantling Racism in Nursing
Equity in Action, is an 8 part virtual series brought to you by The American Nurses Association. Upcoming April Zoom sessions:
Blake Smith, Dr. Julius Johnson, Dr. Roberta Waite.
April 30th, 12PM - 1PM PT: Promoting Equity and Justice Through Anti-Racist Nursing Policy:
Dr. Laura Fennimore, Dr. Carmela Daniello, Kim Kim, Dr. Monica McLemore
Attend one or all and earn 1.5 CNE credits per session! Participants must attend the live sessions to receive CNE. Register Here!
CONNECT & CHAT
Hosted by NEW ESD101 Nurse Corps
Join us Friday, April 25th from 1PM to 3PM via Zoom.
This is an opportunity to network with other school nurses, share ideas and talk about what's on your mind. Log on or off at your leisure. We're here to support you.
Local Area Drug Trends
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 9:00AM PT | Talbott Event Center
This two hour course is designed to keep you up to date on the drugs used and abused in our local area.
Officer Mike Thomas with the Spokane Police Department will be addressing street drugs, their distribution, and challenges they bring to our communities.
In-Person or via Zoom - Clock Hours Available
Register on pdEnroller
**SAVE THE DATE** - FREE Narcan Training
August 14, 2025 10AM - 12PM PT
SAVE A LIFE. GET TRAINED.
The Rayce Rudeen Foundation, in partnership with Washington State College of Pharmacy, is providing free Naloxone training to all school nurses and school staff.
Register on pdEnroller.