The Maine Department of Education hosted the 2016 School Nurse Summer Institute, Kaleidoscope of School Nursing Practice last week at Bates College in Lewiston. Major focuses this year included the federal and state laws and rules related to school nurse practice in Maine, increased knowledge and assessment skills, and more.
School nurses left the three day institute with the ability to demonstrate increased skills in assessments and nursing treatments related to student health, increase knowledge in nurse practice law, and share gained information in their practice.
The event for school nurses provided evidence-based best practice of the most current treatments and wellness activities. These offerings were based on the American Nurses Association National Scope and Standard of School Nursing (SSSNP). The institute featured presenters from US DOE, Maine Board of Nursing, Maine DOE, an anaphylaxis toolkit, a presentation on anxiety in children, a Tick Talk, and more.
The 2016 School Nurse of the Year was announced at the conference. This year’s recipient was Pat Endsley, RN MSN, NCSN. Endsley has been a school nurse for 14 years and works at Wells-Ogunquit High School. She is currently enrolled in a doctoral program for nursing education.
Upon receiving her award, she told her colleagues, “I love going to work because I love the kid contact.” Endsley has worked over 30 years as an RN, starting in acute care, pediatrics and a hospital nursery. She said, “School nursing is like my second career; it’s the next step up… I love the challenge every day.”
Also honored at the three-day Summer Institute was retiring
Maine DOE School Nurse Consultant Nancy Dube. In presenting the honor, Brenda White of the Maine Association of School Nurses said, “What we have learned from Nancy is invaluable; we feel solid today for all she has done for us over the past ten years.”
As Maine’s school nurse consultant, Dube has advocated for, responded to and worked with some 300 school nurses across the state. In response to her recognition, Dube said, “You are my heroes.”
Over two dozen vendors attended the Institute, offering a multitude of helpful information and resources ranging from oral care to lead screening.
To read more about the School Nurse Summer Institute, click here.
To learn more about Maine’s School Nurse support and services, visit here or contact School Nurse Consultant Nancy Dube at nancy.dube@maine.gov or 624-6688.