Hello Everyone!
I can't believe the new school year is just around the corner! I hope each of you had the opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends and enjoy a well-deserved break.
I spent most of my summer in the beautiful Natural State of Arkansas visiting family and looking forward to spending time on Bull Shoals Lake. Unfortunately, my jet ski has been in the repair shop all summer waiting for a part that is currently on back order. While I wasn't able to enjoy the lake as planned, I'll just have to dream about those adventures and look forward to next summer!
The 2026 NASN Annual Conference in Las Vegas was truly inspiring. The conference was filled with outstanding educational sessions, opportunities for advocacy, meaningful networking, and the chance to reconnect with colleagues and make new friends.
One presentation, "Softening Schools: The Critical Role of School Nurses in Creating Safe and Supportive School Environments," particularly resonated with me. It challenged me to reflect on how today's emphasis on emergency preparedness, school hardening, and the "Run, Hide, Fight" approach may unintentionally contribute to increased anxiety among our students.
It left me asking several important questions:
- Are today's students more anxious about attending school?
- Could increased security measures and emergency preparedness training be contributing to stress-related physical complaints such as headaches, stomachaches, and frequent visits to the health room?
- How can school nurses help create environments where students feel emotionally safe while still being prepared for emergencies?
As school nurses, we are often the first professionals to recognize when a student's physical symptoms may actually reflect emotional distress. Our health rooms can serve as more than a place for first aid-they can become safe, supportive spaces where students feel heard, valued, and reassured. Building trusting relationships and recognizing the emotional impact of today's school environment are essential components of our role.
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Have you noticed an increase in anxiety-related visits to your health room? What strategies have you found effective in helping students feel safe, supported, and emotionally secure while balancing the realities of school safety preparedness?
I look forward to hearing your perspectives and learning from your experiences as we begin another exciting school year together!
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Laura Phillips, MPH, BSN, RN NCSN
Colorado Association of School Nurses
NASN Director
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