I hope that each of you will find some time to rest and reconnect with those you love.  This has been a challenging school year so far and we expect even more challenges in the months to come.  As I talk to nurses from around the state, I hear recurring concerns.  The acuity of the students we serve is increasing and the economic crisis in our country is placing added stress on the families in our schools.  Yet the resources we need to help our students are diminishing.  More and more families are asking the school nurse to decide if their child needs to go to the doctor.  Our need for information and assessment skills that are accurate and effective is more important than ever.

The theme of our state conference this year is “School Nursing: Putting the Pieces Together.”  The education committee has looked at the school nurse’s need for effective assessment skills and accurate information in a wide variety of areas.  The result is a conference with 12 different sessions covering a wide variety of topics from asthma to ethics to mental health and much more in between.

The information to be presented is so important that the conference has been expanded to two full days and all participants will get to hear each of the speakers.  New this year, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a “Blessing of the Hands” – recognizing the importance of our hands and our touch in the healing process.

Click on the conference link to register and pay for the conference and to make your hotel reservation.  Application forms for a scholarship for FASN members or to do a Poster Presentation can be found on the same link.  As we get closer to the conference, those attending will be able to download the speakers’ information and power points.

As important as our professional development is, participation in our professional organization is equally important.  Each FASN member is encouraged to go to the Members-Only link and vote for the next recording secretary and membership secretary.  Voting goes from December 8th until January 8, 2009.

FASN supports school nurses statewide.  On the Announcements page, you will find other information and events that school nurses may be interested in.  Through our state conference, regional events and voting, we hope you will support FASN.  Often school nurses feel isolated in their practice, FASN provides support and a network to help you succeed in your practice.  As the new year begins, let’s work together to make a difference in school nursing and in the students we serve!

 Moving forward, together!

 Kathy 

Kathleen C. Rose, RN MHA NCSN
President, Florida Association of School Nurses
President@FASN.net

Welcome to a new school year!  It has been a busy start for everyone, especially as many school districts have had to function with fewer school nurses this year.  FASN has had changes as well.  Our web developer resigned (for a good reason!) and we needed to find a new person.  He is on board now and you will begin to see updates and new information.

The national conference in Albuquerque was an excellent learning experience.  Five scholarships were awarded to cover conference registration.  Those scholarship winners have written articles about a session they attended.  You will be reading them in our fall newsletter.  At the President’s Luncheon, the presidents of each state were asked to bring copies of their state newsletter to show others.  Every copy of the newsletter and the copies of the “More FASNating News” addendum that is on this web site that I brought  were taken.  Our newsletter is a hit!  And we have some pictures for our photo gallery, of course!

FASN is becoming recognized within the state as well.  An “Open Comments” presentation was made to the Governor’s Children and Youth Cabinet.  We learned that this was the first presentation by a school nurse.  I have been invited back to do a formal presentation when they meet in Tallahassee.  The photo gallery will have some pictures from that day as well. 

FASN is one of the organizations developing the strategic plan for the School Health and Education Consortium at their meeting in October.  We are also on the bimonthly conference calls discussing Response to Intervention.  There are counties where the school nurse is an active, contributing member of this process.  This group, under Diane Mennitt’s leadership, is working on ways for this to happen in every county.

We are also active within FASN.  Over the summer, a new Regional Representative and several new County Liaisons have accepted their positions.  And, we aren’t done yet!  The Conference Committee has begun its work for the February State Conference.  The Awards Committee has sent our School Nurse of the Year packet to national to compete for the national award.  And the Nominations Committee is seeking nominations for the two open positions this year: Recording Secretary and Membership Secretary.  We need your input as well.

Finally, our membership is growing.  Several Lions Clubs throughout the state are deciding to form a partnership with FASN.  They are sponsoring memberships to FASN and those nurses are applying for the VSP Sight for Students certificates that help needy students receive a vision exam and glasses, if needed.

 It certainly appears our quiet summer wasn’t quiet at all!  Welcome back!

Kathy

Kathleen C. Rose, RN MHA NCSN
President, Florida Association of School Nurses
President@FASN.net