Texas School Nurses Organization

To all our wonderful School Nurses in Texas,
School Nursing is ever changing. Each year expectations and demands change. Through victory and defeat you have continued to keep the welfare of the children as a top priority. You strive to improve the health and educational success of our students, encouraging them.  As we touch the future, take time to remember where we began. From the dimly lit stair closet and limited supplies to our clinics full of technology. The struggle is not over. Keep your passion. Take care of yourself.   Your TSNO Board is so proud to be one of you, A Texas School Nurse!   A school nurse does make a difference.  A school nurse does impact student achievement. A school nurse does save lives. A school nurse touches the future one child at a time.  Happy School Nurse’s Day!

Kathy Powell
TSNO President

Nominations for
School Nurse of the Year (SNOY),
School Nurse Administrator of the Year (SNAY) &
Region of the Year awards are
due by JUNE 15.

Click here for a list of all TSNO awards.

Each May, a day is designated to honor school nurses for the important role they play in the lives of young Texans. This year, Governor Rick Perry proclaimed May 9 as School Nurse Day. Click here for the official proclamation from Governor Perry. Keep up the great work!

Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas is holding a conference June 13-14, 2012. The theme is "Nursing Considerations for the School Age Child and Adolescent". Click this link for information and registration. Click this link for on-line registration.

The following link is a video Texas Children's Hospital produced to help bring awareness to the meningitis threat among college students. Its my goal to share this video with all high school nurses, seniors, and their parents. Undoubtedly, it will bring awareness to the meningitis threat and hopefully save lives.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2-U1S74OH0

Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.  The illness can progress rapidly and cause death or permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, brain damage, or loss of limbs. Studies suggest that college students have a slightly higher risk of contracting the illness because they live and work in close proximity.

As of Jan. 1, 2012, State law mandates that first-time college students, students transferring from another institution and students who are re-enrolling following an absence of at least one fall or spring semester who are under 30 as of the first class day of the term be vaccinated against the illness. Students under 30 who plan to audit a course also must comply with the law, SB 1107 passed during the 82^nd Legislative Session.

It is imperative that students who plan to enroll in college be vaccinated as soon as possible. Under the law, students subject to the meningitis requirement must have received the vaccine within the past five years. Proof of vaccination is required 10 days before the first class day for the term, as the vaccine is considered effective several days after it is administered.

The vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – MCV4 and MPSV4 – offer protection against meningitis groups A, C, Y, and W-135. Currently MCV4 and MPSV4 vaccines are the only vaccines accepted under state law.

Thank you!
Kathy Powell RN, BSN, MS, NCSN
Texas School Nurses Organization President

Cook Children's is offering symposiums this summer specifically for school nurses. Use the links below for information about and online registration for these offerings.
School Nurse Symposium - Thursday, June 21, 2012
SPORTS Symposium - Tuesday, July 10, 2012
School Nurse Symposim - Friday, July 20, 2012

If you have any questions about these symposiums, please contact Cook Children's directly at www.cookchildrens.org

Registration information will be available on-line September 1, 2012.