School Nurse Day
May 12, 2010

School Nurse Day for Utah, in conjunction with National School Nurse Day, is a day to celebrate and acknowledge the accomplishments of school nurses and their efforts to meet the needs of today’s students by improving the effective delivery of health care in Utah schools.

In Utah, more than 150 school nurses are working to keep our school communities healthy now, and into the future.

Utah School Nurse Association (USNA), organized as an affiliate of the National Association of School Nurses and a specialty nursing organization representing school nurses in Utah, supports School Nurse Day for Utah and congratulates our school nurses for the dedication they have for the health and welfare of Utah school children.

The following Proclamation will be issued by Utah Governor Herbert

May 12, 2010
School Nurse Day for Utah

Whereas, children are the future and, by investing in them today, we are ensuring our world for tomorrow; and

Whereas, all students have a right to have their health needs safely met while in the school setting; and

Whereas; children today face more complex and life-threatening health problems requiring care in school; and

Whereas, school nurses are professional nurses that advance the well-being,
academic success, and life-long achievements of all students by providing a critical safety net for our nation’s most fragile children; and

Whereas, school nurses act as a liaison to the school community, parents, and
health care providers on behalf of children’s health; and

Whereas, school nurses support the health and educational success of children and youth by developing and providing programs and leadership; and

Whereas, school nurses understand the link between health and learning and are in a position to make a positive difference for children;

Now, Therefore, I Gary R. Herbert, Governor of the State of Utah do hereby declare May 12, 2010 as School Nurse Day.

School Nurse Day Background: Since 1972, National School Nurse Day has been set aside to recognize school nurses.

Purpose: National School Nurse Day was established to foster a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting.

Date: National School Nurse Day is celebrated on the Wednesday within National Nurse Week and National Nurse Week is always May 6th through May 12th.

On May 12, 2010, the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) will recognize the contributions that school nurses make every day to improve the health and success of our nation’s children. School Nurse Day is a time to celebrate the nursing profession and the specialty of school nursing.

Sandi Delack, NASN president said, “The school nurses educate our schools to support the health and well-being of students and staff. National School Nurse Day provides an opportunity for school nurses to articulate what they do to remove or minimize health- related barriers to student success. We are school nurses; we support student success!”

More information can be found at http://www.schoolnurseday.org/

The following are suggestions from NASN of what you can to celebrate
School Nurse Day.

What School Nurses can do:
-- Be proactive in planning the celebration and promoting activities associated with this special day
-- Note School Nurse Day in your school calendar
-- Construct a bulletin board at school on the role of the school nurse   
-- Write an article in school and/or district newspapers
-- Disseminate the NASN School Nurse Day Press Release

What Schools and School Personnel can do:
-- Recognize Your Professional School Nurse
-- Contact school board members and the superintendent and invite them to visit the school nurse
-- Recognize the school nurse with appropriate momentos of appreciation
-- Hold a recognition reception for your School Nurse
-- Have students make cards for the School Nurse
-- Include information about School Nurse Day in all school communications

What Communities and Community Agencies can do:
-- Communicate with school nurses to develop improved communications
-- Highlight the contributions School Nurses make through displays at local hospitals, libraries, and governmental buildings
-- Host an NASN live continuing education program for the school nurses in your area

What Parents can do:
-- Learn more about the role of the school nurse in your community
-- Visit the school nurse Ask the PTA to host a celebration breakfast.

Message from the President
USNA has been actively representing Utah school nurses this year.  USNA has been meeting with a variety of people/groups to educate the public on school nursing and its importance for school children.

Update on advocacy-legislative session began in January and USNA has been very busy attending sessions and meeting with legislators.  USNA was asked by USOE to prepare a report on the School Nurse Incentive Funds.  (These are the matching funds schools apply for to hire school nurses).  This report required information on program effectiveness and accomplishments (data) for the past 3 school years, budget details and impact if these funds were reduced or eliminated.    These numbers are critical to the funding support for school nurses and why every nurse needs accurate student data about their schools.

See budget details at: http://www.le.state.ut.us/asp/interim/Commit.asp?Year=2010&Com=APPPED

These are not finalized budgets.  Please write your legislator and express the need for school nurse funding.  NASN has sample letters for legislators.

USNA actively supported the Jordan School Nurses as they presented to the School Board members for continued funding.

USNA is monitoring SB 144-vision screening amendment.
Update:  This bill was signed by the Governor on 3-29-10.

Update on proposed medication rule change – This rule change in now in effect.  See the entire Nurse Practice Act and associated Rules at http://www.dopl.utah.gov/licensing/nursing.html.  Specifically the changes that affect School nurses are in Sections R156-31b-701 and 701a.

NASN--is a resource for all members and as a member you have access to all materials.   For example, many online CEU classes are free to members.  See NASN online offerings at: http://www.nasn.org/Default.aspx?tabid=111

USNA Board- Board members continue to represent and work for all UT school nurses.  Now is the time for members to come forward and offer to serve on the Board and committees in order for USNA to continue to grow and our issues to be heard.  This is your professional organization and it needs your commitment and support.

Please contact any board member if you have any questions.

Shirley Stevens RN BSN
President
Utah School Nurse Association
801.942.3194

2009-10 Utah School Nurse of the Year
Goes to Lucia Unzaga! Click here for more information.

2009-10 Mary Ito Award
Goes to Betty Sue Hinkson! Click here for more information.

Utah 100
Click here to see a visual respresentation of common health conditions and concerns in Utah's children and youth.

Join our Discussion List
We are instituting a discussion list for all school nurses in Utah who want to stay in touch. We will only add those who request to be added. Send an email to hink242@alpine.k12.ut.us with your email address if you want to join us.