SNOO 2025 Keynote Speaker!

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

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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.

How School Nurses Build Trust, Connection, and Community

From Trust to Teamwork:

How School Nurses Build Stronger Communities

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Welcome! As a school nurse, you're so much more than the person who hands out Band-Aids and checks temperatures. You're a trusted adult, a calm presence in the storm, and often the bridge between a child’s medical needs and their ability to learn and thrive at school. 

One of the most powerful tools you have? Relationships.

The stronger your relationships—with students, families, staff, and your wider community—the more impactful your role becomes. Let’s talk about how to grow those connections and why they’re so essential to your work as a school nurse.

5 STEPS FOR SCHOOL NURSES TO BUILD TRUST, CONNECTION, & COMMUNITY!

1. Students First: Creating a Safe Space

You might be the only healthcare professional a student sees regularly. When you learn their names, ask about their weekend, or listen without judgment, you’re doing more than taking a temperature—you’re building trust.

When students feel seen and safe with you:

• They’re more likely to share how they’re really feeling.

• You’re more likely to catch things early—whether it’s a hidden health concern or emotional distress.

• They start to see the health office as a supportive space, not just a place to go when they’re sick.

Tip: Even small things like remembering a student’s favorite sport or complimenting their new glasses go a long way in building rapport.

2. Partnering with Families

Families want to know their child is in good hands. A quick phone call, a note home, or a positive email to share something kind their child did can help you build those bridges before there’s a problem.

When families trust you:

• They’re more open to sharing important health information.

• You can work together to support chronic conditions, medication needs, or mental health concerns.

• You become a vital partner in their child’s success.

Tip: Start the year with an introduction letter or email letting families know who you are, how to reach you, and that you’re here to help.

3. Supporting and Collaborating with Staff

Teachers and staff are your teammates. When you work together—especially when navigating tricky student situations—everyone benefits.

When you build strong relationships with staff:

• They’ll come to you sooner with concerns.

• You can help support classroom needs, whether it’s managing a student’s asthma, understanding a 504 plan, or promoting hygiene practices.

• You’ll feel more like part of the school’s leadership team.

Tip: Invite staff to visit your office for more information on certain situations, share health updates or helpful info, and remind them you’re here as a resource, not just in emergencies.

4. Reaching Beyond the School Walls

Some of your strongest supports might be outside your school building. Community partners can help you provide services, education, and supplies that you couldn’t access otherwise.

Tip: Keep a simple spreadsheet or list of your go-to community contacts so you’re ready when needs arise—or when someone offers to help!

5. You Deserve Connection, Too

Remember: you need support as well. Whether it’s a Facebook group for school nurses, a fellow school nurse in your district, or even an online friend who “gets it”—you’re better when you’re not doing this alone.

Final Thoughts

Strong relationships aren’t just a “nice to have” for school nurses—they’re essential. When people trust you, they listen. When you trust others, you collaborate better. And when students know you care, they feel safer, healthier, and more ready to learn.

So take a moment today to reach out, check in, or simply smile at someone you pass in the hallway. Every little interaction builds something bigger.

Because in school nursing, relationships really do make all the difference.

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Why School Nurses Need To Be Invited

Pull Up a Chair: Learning How To Invite Yourself to the Table

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As a school nurse, you are the healthcare expert in your building. You see students daily for everything from minor injuries to chronic illness management, mental health concerns, and social-emotional struggles. But despite your expertise and firsthand knowledge, you may find yourself left out of important conversations about student health and well-being. If you’re waiting for an invitation to join these discussions—you might be waiting a long time. It’s time to learn how to get your invitation and pull up your own chair.

Why You Need to Be at the Table

School nurses play a vital role in student well-being, yet they’re often left out of important conversations simply because others don’t realize the depth of their expertise. By advocating for a seat at the table, school nurses can break down silos, strengthen collaboration, and ultimately provide better care for students. If you wait for an invitation, you might miss the chance to make a real impact! Learning to pull up your own chair ensures that the health perspective—especially in areas like mental health, safety, and student support—is represented.

Many school-based committees and initiatives focus on student health, safety, and well-being, yet school nurses are often overlooked when these groups are formed. Whether it’s a suicide prevention team, a student support committee, a truancy meeting, or a crisis response team, your input is critical. You are uniquely positioned to recognize patterns that others may miss, such as students with frequent somatic complaints tied to anxiety or those showing signs of self-harm. You understand how health conditions impact learning and can bridge the gap between medical and educational needs.

By inviting yourself to these conversations, you:

• Prioritize student health – Your perspective is essential in discussions on mental health, safety protocols, and emergency preparedness.

• Strengthen collaboration – Working alongside teachers, counselors, and administrators helps create a more comprehensive support system for students.

• Advocate for your role – The more visibility you have, the more others will understand the depth of your expertise and the importance of school nursing.

• Improve student outcomes – Your voice can shape policies and interventions that directly impact student health and success.

How to Invite Yourself

If you discover a team, committee, or initiative that aligns with your role and passion, take the initiative to join. Here’s how you can approach it in a way that feels natural and professional:

1. Express Interest with Curiosity

Instead of focusing on why you weren’t invited, frame it as wanting to support the initiative:

"I recently learned about the suicide prevention group, and I think it’s such an important initiative. As the school nurse, I’d love to contribute and collaborate. I often see students who may be struggling—whether through frequent health office visits for stress-related symptoms, signs of self-injury, or other concerns that are shared with me. I’d love to support the team’s efforts. Would it be possible to receive calendar invites for future meetings so I can join?"

"I had an idea that might help give us a more complete picture of the students going through the MTSS process—adding some input from the nurse’s office to the problem-solving form. Things like known medical conditions, a quick summary of nurse visits, or participation in programs like XXX could really help us understand the bigger picture and how it impacts their school experience. Let me know what you think. Thanks so much!"

"I’d love to join the truancy meetings to help provide insight from the health office. I often see students whose absences are linked to health concerns—chronic conditions, anxiety, or other barriers that may not be immediately obvious. Including this perspective could help us better support them. Would it be possible to be added to the meetings? Let me know what you think—I'm happy to chat more!" 

2. Highlight Your Unique Role

You bring a different (and valuable) perspective:

• You see students with physical complaints that may actually be rooted in emotional distress.

• You often have private, one-on-one conversations with students who may not open up to teachers or counselors.

• You can help identify patterns in health office visits that might indicate a student is struggling.

3. Keep It About the Students

People don’t know what they don’t know, and that includes understanding the full scope of a school nurse’s role. Many assume we’re just here for bumps, bruises and daily meds, without realizing that we’re trained to assess both physical and mental health concerns, recognize patterns in student behavior, and provide critical input on issues like attendance, chronic illness, and mental health. Because of this, school nurses are sometimes unintentionally left out of important discussions—not out of intentional exclusion, but simply because others don’t realize the depth of our expertise.

It’s completely natural to feel a little hurt when you realize you weren’t included in a team or meeting that aligns with your role. But instead of dwelling on the oversight, it helps to frame your involvement around how you can support students. A simple, proactive approach—like expressing interest, highlighting your unique perspective, and emphasizing collaboration—can open doors. In most cases, once others understand what you bring to the table, they’ll welcome your participation.

This shift in mindset not only helps you gain a seat at the table but also strengthens your presence as a key player in student support teams. If you wait for an invitation, you might miss the chance to make a real impact!

Don’t Wait for Permission

Too often, school nurses hesitate to step forward because they assume they need an invitation or worry about stepping on toes. But advocating for yourself isn’t about pushing in—it’s about making sure that student health is not an afterthought. Schools function best when all key stakeholders are involved, and school nurses are absolutely key stakeholders.

If you see a seat missing at the table, don’t be afraid to pull up your own chair. Your students will be better for it, and so will your school community.

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