SNOO 2025 Keynote Speaker!

Rooted in Care: My First-Ever Keynote at the School Nurse Organization of Oklahoma Summit

+ This post contains affiliate links. +

Firsts Worth Celebrating

Earlier this month, I had the incredible honor of serving as the very first keynote speaker at the 55th Annual School Nurse Organization of Oklahoma (SNOO) Summit- a milestone for the organization and for me personally.

It was my first keynote. My first time speaking to a statewide group of school nurses! And the first time I stood at a podium feeling both nervous and exactly where I was meant to be.

From the Heart: “Rooted in Care”

The title of my talk was “Rooted in Care: Stories That Shape Our Practice”.  Though, a better title might’ve been “Rooted in Care: Practices That Shape Our Stories”… but I had already submitted my slides, so we just rolled with it!

Either way, both versions captured what I shared: that the seemingly ordinary practices we return to again and again- routines, boundaries, data, and collaboration- are actually powerful tools that shape our impact and support our growth.

Whether it’s setting up a reliable health screening schedule, honoring your own lunch break (yes, really!), collecting data to advocate for more support, or building strong partnerships- we’re not just “getting through the day.” 

We’re laying the foundation for long-term success- growing roots of steadiness, sustainability, credibility, & connection that both us grounded and push us to grow as school nurses!  

The Energy in the Room 

There’s something truly energizing about being surrounded by other school nurses. We speak the same language. We understand each other. We laugh at the same memes. And we all know what it's like to juggle a dozen priorities before 10 a.m.

The Oklahoma school nurses welcomed me so warmly, and I left the Summit with a full heart and deep appreciation for the work we all do- often unseen, sometimes misunderstood, but always important.

Even as the speaker, I found myself learning and growing through hallway conversations, breakout sessions, and moments of shared experience that reminded me: we are not alone in this work.

Personal Growth in a Professional Moment

This keynote wasn't just about sharing my message- it was a moment of personal growth. It challenged me to reflect, organize my thoughts, and speak to an audience of peers who understand this work from the inside out.

I left Oklahoma feeling more confident, more connected, and more convinced than ever that school nurses need each other! Our voices matter. Our stories matter. And the steady work we do every day? That matters too and it’s what makes a difference.

If you’re looking for a space to reflect, recharge, or talk through the real-life challenges of this role, I’d love to connect!  You can schedule a free 15-minute Monday Mentoring Meeting or learn more about my individualized mentorship option designed specifically for school nurses- because we’re better when we grow together.

Thank You, SNOO!

To the School Nurse Organization of Oklahoma- thank you for trusting me with this moment. Thank you for making me feel so welcome. And thank you for being part of this first-for-me experience that I will never forget.

Here’s to being rooted in care, growing with intention, and celebrating the work we do- together.

A special THANK YOU to Brandi! 💛 Without your kindness and belief in me, I wouldn’t have had this incredible opportunity. Brandi- there aren’t enough calf fries in the world to thank you for everything!!

I truly hope we get to do it again someday.

~ Elisabeth

“Delivering my keynote at the 55th Annual SNOO Summit- what an unforgettable experience!”

My first time trying "calf fries" (and probably the last)!

 Check out these other popular DOASN blog posts & product links.

Announcing Clinical Considerations in School-Based Health

Seven Smart Ways to Save Money on

Clinical Considerations in School-based Health

+ This post contains affiliate links. +

I'm thrilled to help Dr. Robert Olympia announce the release of 𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡-𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝! Dr. Robert Olympia is a pediatric emergency medicine physician with over 20 years of experience, currently practicing in PA. He's also a national expert in school-based emergency preparedness, sports injuries, and pediatric trauma and frequently presents on these topics across the country.

If you’ve seen the new book then you know it’s packed with value and with pages. Over 1,000 of them! This resource covers everything from chronic conditions and sample IHPs to triage protocols, mental health strategies, case studies, and care plans. It’s designed for school-based health professionals — including school nurses like you — and written by a team of clinicians, school nurses, and experts in the field.

Inside you'll find 134 chapters covering:

General school health concepts

Managing the “sick student”

25 chronic conditions with sample IHPs

22 mental & behavioral health conditions

Infectious diseases, trauma, and sports injuries

Adolescent medicine, case studies & more

But let’s be honest- it’s not cheap! So, if the price tag is making you hesitate, here are seven smart, budget-friendly ways to add this powerful resource to your professional toolkit:

1. Use Your School or District’s PD Funds

Many districts allocate money for professional development or nurse-specific continuing education. This book supports chronic condition care, emergency preparedness, and mental health response all part of your role. It’s a great fit for PD funds.

2. Request Reimbursement After Purchase

If you’ve already purchased the book, don’t forget to save your receipt. Most school districts allow reimbursement for job-related materials, especially if you connect it to supporting student health and safety.

3. Ask Your PTO or School Foundation

These organizations often support learning tools and classroom resources, but they’re also open to funding staff tools that directly support students. A quick conversation explaining how this book helps with care planning, emergency response, and student well-being might be all it takes.

4. Buy the Kindle or Digital Version

Check Amazon for a digital version, which is often significantly less expensive than the hardcover. Bonus: it’s searchable, portable, and can be used across devices. Great for those “quick lookup” moments between visits.

5. Share the Cost With a Colleague

If you work with another nurse or health staff in your building or district, consider splitting the cost and sharing access. You can rotate use or store it in a shared space like your district nurse office or health services library.

6. Explore Mini-Grants or State Nurse Associations

Some state school nurse associations offer professional development stipends or small grants. Others have lending libraries or discount codes for members. It’s worth checking!

7. Use DonorsChoose (if eligible)

If you’re a public school nurse, DonorsChoose is an excellent option. Submit a project requesting the book as a professional learning tool. Emphasize its direct connection to student health outcomes, chronic disease management, and health equity.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to drain your personal budget to get access to high-quality clinical resources. Clinical Considerations in School-based Health is an incredible guide for school nurses, and these tips might help you bring it into your practice without the financial strain.

P.S. You don’t need bright blue glasses to read this book, but a comfy chair wouldn’t hurt.

 Check out these other popular DOASN blog posts & product links.

Happy School Nurse Day 2025

From One School Nurse to Another:

My Why, Then and Now

+ This post contains affiliate links. +

Hello School Nurses!

Nearly thirty years ago, I walked into a school nurse's office for the first time as a brand-new school nurse. I had no idea what I was getting into—just a lot of hope. Since then, I’ve cared for thousands of students. I’ve managed everything from scraped knees to medical emergencies, comforted anxious parents, collaborated with educators, and built meaningful relationships with the students who walk through my door each day.

I didn’t know back then that school nursing would become my life’s work. But here I am—three decades later—still passionate, still learning, and still completely in awe of the important role school nurses play.

And lately, something new has been stirring in me: a purpose beyond just my own office walls. Over the years, I’ve seen how many school nurses are thrown into the role without much guidance, support, or training. They’re expected to “figure it out”—and that’s not fair. I remember how overwhelming it was in the beginning. I didn’t have a roadmap. I just pieced things together, one student, one phone call, one spreadsheet at a time.

That’s why I’ve shifted my focus—not away from school nursing, but into it even more deeply. 

Today, my mission is to support new and experienced school nurses through resources, tools, continuing education, and real talk about what this job is really like. Just knowing someone else “gets it” is so important! I’m here. I see you. I am you.

On National School Nurse Day, I want to celebrate you—my fellow school nurses. Your work matters. Your presence in your school makes a difference. You are often the calm in a storm, the comfort in a crisis, and the connector between health and education.

If you’re just starting out, know this: You’re not alone. And if you’ve been doing this a while, you have wisdom to share—and I hope you will.

Here’s to the school nurses. Past, present, and future. Thank you for everything you do. And thank you for letting me be part of your journey.

—Elisabeth AKA The School Nurse

School Nurse Gift Ideas On Amazon

School Nurse gift Ideas On Etsy

 Check out these other popular DOASN blog posts & product links.