WASN News

  • 2026 WASN Conference

    By: Sandy Boring Sandy Boring , 10 hours ago

    Conference registration now open!!

  • 2025 National Workforce Study Survey

    By: Sandy Boring Sandy Boring , 4 days ago
    Greetings Rural School Nurses!
    It is the final month of the 2025 National Workforce Study Survey (which closes on 3/1/26), so I am sending one final reminder to be sure that the researchers are receiving data from rural school nurses. There is so much we need to know about the rural school nursing workforce in order to envision solutions to address the barriers we face. I am attaching a one page overview of the survey and a list showing the number of school nurses who have completed the survey in each state.  
     
    Please complete the survey if you have not already done so, and pass it on to your colleagues!
     
    Thank you in advance! :)W
    Complete message from  Alexandria Albers:
    You are invited to participate in the 2025 National School Nurse Workforce Study Survey!
    The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) is conducting the 2025 National School Nurse Workforce Study Survey to collect data on school nurse education, credentialing, team support, and workforce experiences. The goal of the data is to advocate for greater support, visibility, and resources for school nurses.
    Time commitment: Up to 30 minutes
    Eligibility: Have an active nursing license, provide school nursing services in a school setting.
     ********************************************************
    To request a survey:
    Or copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser:
     ********************************************************
    Survey results are:
    • Confidential and you will never be individually identified.
    • Results will only be reported at state, region, or national levels. You may voluntarily provide your ZIP code and select the school (or schools) where you work so we can determine how representative the survey is.
    There are no direct benefits to you, but your responses will provide valuable insight into school nursing and will strengthen NASN’s ability to advocate for resources and support school nurses’ needs. The risks are minimal.
    If you have questions about this study, please contact Alexandria Albers (aalbers@nasn.org)

    --

    Wendy Niskanen, MEd, RN
    Oregon School Nurses' Association
    Oregon NASN Director
    OSNA Acting Executive Director
    Phone: 603-723-2708

  • School Nurse and School Nurse Administrator of Year Awards Nominations Now Open!!!

    By: Sandy Boring Sandy Boring , one month ago

    The nomination period for the 2026 Katheryn Etter School Nurse of the Year and School Nurse Administrator of the Year awards is now officially open!

    This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the exceptional contributions of the professionals in your district who go above and beyond to support student health and well-being. We encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your colleagues' dedication and nominate a deserving candidate by February 28, 2026.

    Criteria and link to nomination forms can be found here.

  • 2026 WASN Conference

    By: Sandy Boring Sandy Boring , one month ago
    image

    Conference information coming soon!

    Questions: Please contact Megan at Megan@wisconsinnurses.org

    Save the date!

    April 27th thru April 29th, 2026.

  • OCMH Newsletter - School Nurses and Mental Health Mention

    By: Sandy Boring Sandy Boring , 4 months ago

    The "OCMH Research News In Youth Mental Health - October 2025" newsletter summarizes key research findings across various topics:

    1. Mental Health & Well-being: The newsletter highlights high rates of mental health concerns among college students (37% reported accessing services), with notable rates of depression and anxiety. Separately, over half of mothers express worry about their children's mental health, citing cost and long waits as major barriers to care.
    2. Safety and Crisis: Research indicates that parent-owned guns, often stored unlocked, are the most common means in firearm suicides among children (ages 10-17). A dramatic increase in self-harm incidents involving common household items (like pain relievers and cold medicines) has also been reported among preteens (ages 11-12).
    3. Schools and Social Environment: Studies emphasize that school connectedness and anti-bullying climates empower students. While most K-12 schools report the pandemic still negatively impacts students' socioemotional development, new research suggests that school phone bans can lead to significant reductions in psychological distress and improved social connections.
    4. Systemic Factors: The 2021 temporary expansion of the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit was central to significantly reducing child poverty. Other reports cover the importance of culturally responsive mental healthcare, trends in child welfare, and state-level data on opioid overdose response. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine, systematic mental health screening from infancy through adolescence.

  • 25-26 School Year

    By: Sandy Boring Sandy Boring , 5 months ago

    The 2025-2026 school year is starting. Have a great start to your year as a school nurse!

  • Are you going to the NASN Conference in Austin, TX?

    By: Sandy Boring Sandy Boring , 8 months ago

    Are you going to NASN Conference in Austin TX??  Have you heard from Shell Kaczorowski BSN RN LSN, WASN's NASN Director?  If not please email her to be included in WI Affiliate night out and other happenings during the conference. She looks forward to seeing you there!

    Also she would like you to pack some Packer, WI badger, Brewer, WASN attire, etc... She will be planning some matching days so we represent our Cheesehead State well! How do you all feel about Bats? You will not want to miss that fun opportunity!
     kaczfarm@gmail.com 920-538-3936

  • Mindy Schwarz recognized!

    By: Sandy Boring Sandy Boring , 8 months ago

    See the article in The Star News from Medford, Wisconsin recognizing Mindy Schwarz as the School Nurse of the Year award winner for 2025!

  • School Nurses in the News

    By: Sandy Boring Sandy Boring , 10 months ago

    Stevens Point Area Public School Nurses received their "Stop the Bleed Kits" this week.

  • Conference Registration Closed April 21st

    By: Sandy Boring Sandy Boring , 10 months ago

    This is a friendly reminder that registration for the upcoming WASN is closing on Sunday, April 21st.

    Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, learn about the latest advancements in school nursing, and participate in valuable workshops and presentations.

    To learn more about the conference, visit this page.

    To register, go to this link.

    We encourage you to secure your spot as soon as possible before registration closes. There are still free registration spots available.  Don't miss out!

    We look forward to seeing you there!

    Sincerely,

    The WASN Team

  • Conference Registration is now OPEN!!!

    By: Sandy Boring Sandy Boring , 11 months ago

    2025 Conference Registration is now open

  • SNOY/SNAY Submissions

    By: Sandy Boring Sandy Boring , 11 months ago

    We have extended the submission deadline for the SNOY/SNAY nominations to March 28, 2025.