Hello All!
I can't believe the new school year is just around the corner and you all spent some time with your families and friends for a nice needed break. I have been very busy traveling to BVI, Austin for the NASN Conference, camp nursing, hiking and paddle boarding! For those of you who attended NASN, I would love to hear from you all with a response to this on-line discussion on your most educational session as well as any thrilling excursions you may have encountered!
I attended a breakout session: Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Events - How School Nurses Can Best Support Students Diagnosed With PNEE . I am seeing more anxiety and PNEE in my schools, especially with girls. PNEE is real, it is not fabricated by the student and qualifies for a 504 under emotional disability. I have attached a health care plan that was provided by the speakers.
As far as excursions go, our affiliate night out was definitely the highlight! Colorado had a strong showing in Austin - loved seeing our community represent! Hoping to see even more amazing Colorado nurses in New Mexico!
I would like to give you all an update on the happenings as your NASN Director and my goals for this school year.
I am happy to say that I will continue with the NASN Advocacy Committee. Many of you know that advocacy is a passion of mine. I am in the process of creating a workbook for CASN members on how to advocate in Colorado; and I was honored to be asked to be the lead presenter at the NASN Leadership Summit on advocacy and presenting a draft of the workbook. I was also interviewed earlier in the summer by a communication and consultant firm located in Pennsylvania related to the success we have experienced in Colorado advocacy and legislation over the last 5 years! CASN is receiving quite a bit of attention as a successful organization in legislation! Kudos to CASN's Advocacy Committee over the last 5 years!
I also participate in the Finance Committee. I am in charge of attending monthly virtual meetings and reporting back to the Advocacy Committee.
I have completed my one year term on the Nomination Committee. The committee is in charge of identifying qualified candidates to run for executive offices. My term was in charge of identifying qualified candidates to run for the next NASN Vice President as well as a candidate for a 2 year position for the Nominating Committee in the next election, spring 2026.
Unfortunately, VSP has not returned to NASN. NASN is aware that this is an issue and is diligently working with VSP as well as additional avenues to support school nurses and school children with their vision needs.
As school nurses, we don't just respond to change - we lead it with compassion, knowledge, and care. Together, we shape healthier futures for our students.
Namaste
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Laura Phillips, MPH, BSN, RN NCSN
Colorado Association of School Nurses
NASN Director
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