April 2019
Dear Superintendent:
The National Association of School Nurses has designated Wednesday, May 8, 2019 as National School Nurse Day. This day is set aside to celebrate the specialty practice of school nursing and recognize the contributions school nurses make every day to improve the safety, health and academic success of all students.
As reflected in the Ohio Department of Education strategic plan Each Child Our Future, Priority 7 “Meet needs of the whole child” incorporates the importance of health as a non-academic barrier to student success. I encourage you to recognize the important work that school nurses in your district do to meet the needs of students and reduce absenteeism. Their work helps reach the strategic plan’s vision for each child to be challenged, prepared and empowered as they progress through school and into adulthood.
To provide School Nurses with information and current resources so they can be prepared for emergency situations, the Ohio Department of Health will be hosting a conference on July 10, 2019 in central Ohio. Registration information about this educational opportunity will be available at the link below.
The Ohio Department of Health School Nursing program provides continuing education opportunities to support the ongoing professional development of nurses. In addition to the annual
Orientation for Nurses New to Ohio Schools, three
Regional School Nurse Conferences and online, independent study courses, ODH staff provide technical assistance by phone or email. Please encourage your nurses to take advantage of these professional development offerings and other resources found at
https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/school-nursing-program/conferences-trainings/ .
In closing, thank you for taking time out on May 8 to join people around the nation to recognize the profession of school nursing and the individuals who provide health care services in Ohio schools every day.
Sincerely,
Amy Acton, MD, MPH
Director