Friday, December 31, 2021

New CDC COVID-19 Guidelines for Schools 12/2021

What are school nurses supposed to do

with the new CDC guidelines?


Helpful School Nurse Tip: Remember, many school nurses work alone. There is only so much one professional nurse can do and should be asked to do. Do you best with what you have. Set clear boundaries and follow the guidelines you are asked to follow.

SCHOOLS ARE ON WINTER BREAK

The majority of the school nurses I know are currently trying to enjoy a short winter break. Imagine our shock and surprise when new COVID guidelines were released by the CDC. These new guidelines have created a pile of unanswered questions and possibly more job responsibilities for school nurses and other school staff.  

NEW COVID GUIDELINES

It is always interesting to find out how school nurses find out about COVID guidelines changes and updates. In perfect working conditions, each school nurse would receive an email notification from their local health department outlining the new guidelines and what the expectations are for schools. However, we are not working in perfect conditions and I imagine many schools nurses found from the news, on Facebook, or from a friend or a community member. 

NOW WHAT SHOULD SCHOOL NURSES DO?

School nurses should continue to do the best they can with the resources and time they have. There are still a handful of days before schools are scheduled to return and, as we've learned, a lot of change can happen in a little amount of time. Let's hope that school specific guidelines will be shared with us :)

In the meantime, download this FREE computer wallpaper. It is a great daily reminder that schools and school nurses are being asked to FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES. Positive reviews are always appreciated too :)


I'd love to read in the comments how you and your school found out about the new guidelines and what those mean for your school.  Best of luck to all.


Friday, December 10, 2021

The School Nurse's Christmas Card

by the one and only Gerri Harvey RN

+ this post contains affiliate links +

Hopefully Helpful School Nurse Tip: Even through the middle of this COVID 19 pandemic, it looks like we're going to make it through another semester! I hope you're making it OK & I hope you enjoy this oldie but goodie from Gerri.  Have a great new year and second semester.

Gerri Harvey's retired school nurse blog (School Nurse Perspectives)
was the inspiration for me to start the Diary Of  A School Nurse blog.

Each December I like to remember her very popular The School Nurse's Christmas Card poem! Can you imagine an updated COVID Christmas Card or New Year version?


If you're creative enough to write a COVID version, feel free to send it to me.
I'll turn it into something similar to below and give you all the credit :)



See More Options HERE





Monday, November 1, 2021

School Nurse Blogs

Top Rated School Nurses Blogs

(updated June 1, 2023)
+ this post contains affiliate links +

Helpful School Nurse Tip: There are many nurse related blogs around the internet, but finding one specific to school nursing can sometimes be a challenge. The School Nurse Facebook fans recently nominated their favorite SCHOOL NURSE blogs. You can find and follow all of them here...



Diary Of A School Nurse

Yes, this blog too! Written by Elisabeth MA Ed BSN RN PEL, AKA The School Nurse, this blog focuses on being a hopefully helpful resources to other school nurses. She shares tips and tricks for other school nurses who are trying to save time and streamline their school nurse practice.


School Nurse Perspectives

The original School Nurse blog - School Nurse Perspectives, (the inspiration behind Diary Of A School Nurse) by Gerri Harvey MA Ed, RN, NCSN (retired)!  and I'm happy to announce that SNP is returning due to popular demand! Make sure to check it out and sign up for her newsletters too. 


Your Favorite School Nurse

Emme Mauer BSN RN CSN keeps this blog full of information you need to know as a school nurse. The primary target is elementary school nurses, but school nurses from all areas will be able to related to her in depth posts.

The Relentless School Nurse

A well known name in school nursing, Robin Cogan, MEd, RN, NCSN, writes this blog with a relentless passion for all things school nursing. She is an strong and relentless advocate for other school nurses, students, and families!  


School Nursing 101

Cyndi Brawn, BSN RN NCSN created this extensive site with the school nurse in mind.  Your free membership gives you access to a multitude of health education and disease prevention resources you can use with your students and their families.

Nurse Kevin RN shares very detailed, yet easy to understand, articles on a variety of health topics familiar to school nurses.  He even offers a free newsletter- go sign up!


School Nurse Chronicles

Need a laugh and some helpful reminders?  If so, follow Kim, a National Certified School Nurse, as she shares true stories and advice. Her inspiration comes to her while she works as an elementary school nurse. 

Did your SCHOOL NURSE blog make the list? 

CONGRATULATIONS 

If so, post this award on your site with a link back to this page!



Are there other school nurse blogs that I missed?  If so, please share them with me and I will update this post for future reference.  Also, if you have ever dreamed about starting your very own school nurse blog, please do! Then share the link with me and I will promote it on a future list.  THANK YOU :)


  

Thursday, October 21, 2021

National School Bus Safety Week

Thank You School Bus Drivers

+ this post contains affiliate links +


Hopefully Helpful School Nurse Tip: All school staff like to feel remembered and appreciated. Use this poem to help celebrate your bus drivers during Bus Safety Week!
FREEHappy school bus safety week! FREE

It's National School Bus Safety Week!

Remember to thank your bus drivers.


Then check out these fun school bus driver gift ideas on Amazon- https://amzn.to/3pkh6vT





Wednesday, October 13, 2021

School Nurse Boo Boo Crew

 

Trick or Treat?

+ this post mainly contains affiliate links - have fun looking & exploring +
- there is a free school nurse BOO BOO CREW printable too -


Helpful School Nurse Tip: I prefer treats, but I'm not opposed to a few friendly tricks too. How about you? Does your school do anything special for Halloween? If so, do you participate? Here are a few simple ideas and ways you can get involved at your school.



Four Ways For The School Nurse To Get Involved This October...

                        

1. WEAR SCHOOL APPROPRIATE ATTIRE

Wearing school appropriate attire is probably one of the easiest ways to get involved and the students really like it too. Consider wearing a fun headband, t-shirt, leggings, and/or socks. If you are feeling daring then you can go all out with a full costume. Not sure what to do?  Check out these school nurse options I found for you on Etsy & Amazon:

Etsy Options


T-Shirts on Amazon


Socks on Amazon


Costumes on Amazon

2. TURN YOUR OFFICE INTO A SPOOKY CLINIC
In my experience, students of all ages enjoy a festive clinic. Some schools allow Halloween office decor while other schools allow seasonal office decor. Either way, here are a few options I found for you on Oriental Trading:

FREE PRINTABLE HERE


3. PARTICIPATE IN THE PARKING LOT TRUNK OR TREAT

Does your school provide a fun Trunk or Treat parking lot event? If so, consider decorating your car or van. There are so many Trunk or Treat DIY decorating options available and here are a few fun ones I found on Oriental Trading:

 


4. PROVIDE NON FOOD GIVEAWAY ITEMS
Instead of candy, consider some fun non food items. There are many alternative options available on Oriental Trading!