{"title":"Building a Comprehensive AED Program for K-12.","authors":"Karen Leal, Josie Tombrella","doi":"10.1177/1942602X251415545","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1942602X251415545","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Comprehensive automated external defibrillator (AED) programs with developed medical emergency response plans can improve sudden cardiac arrest outcomes in school-age children. This article explores literature on existing school AED program recommendations and the school nurse's advocacy role in AED program implementation. This article also discusses three major themes identified: (a) The school nurse should advocate for school health and lead the school through implementation of a comprehensive AED program, (b) school campuses should implement an AED program, develop a cardiac emergency response plan (CERP), and practice mock drills, and (c) minimal AED program requirements should be researched, outlined, and written into law to promote safety on all school campuses. A collaborative approach to building a CERP, addressing barriers to implementation, and current legislation are discussed. By initiating changes within their role and building a comprehensive AED program, the school nurse can positively influence sudden cardiac arrest and cardiac emergency outcomes on their school campus.</p>","PeriodicalId":39156,"journal":{"name":"NASN school nurse (Print)","volume":" ","pages":"82-86"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13002940/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146094569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Choosing the Right Method: Practical Considerations for Childhood Hearing Screening.","authors":"William Eiserman, Lenore Shisler, Terry Foust","doi":"10.1177/1942602X261423170","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1942602X261423170","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Early detection of permanent hearing loss is vital for children's access to spoken language and learning. School nurses play a key role in screening and follow-up. This article compares two evidence-based methods-pure tone audiometry and otoacoustic emissions, addressing emerging opportunities for school nurses to reconsider the methods being used by highlighting the strengths, limitations, and suitability of methods based on developmental, logistical, and equity considerations. Guidance is provided to help school professionals select and implement the best-fit method for their setting, ensuring timely identification and referral for children at risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":39156,"journal":{"name":"NASN school nurse (Print)","volume":" ","pages":"75-81"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147366854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Role of School Nurses in Ergonomic Education and Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders.","authors":"Marwa Shafiek Saleh, Amira E M Abd ElHay","doi":"10.1177/1942602X261432127","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1942602X261432127","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Musculoskeletal disorders among preteen and adolescent students have been widely reported, with research highlighting the role of poor ergonomics in classrooms and school environments as a contributing factor. School nurses, through their regular interactions with students, are uniquely positioned to identify those at risk for musculoskeletal problems resulting from incorrect sitting postures or prolonged use of improperly sized desks and chairs. They can provide essential education to students, staff, parents, and teachers on the importance of proper body mechanics and sitting postures. This article aims to briefly discuss key ergonomic risk factors in schools and to offer recommendations for interventions that school nurses can implement to prevent musculoskeletal pain and injury among preteen and adolescent students.</p>","PeriodicalId":39156,"journal":{"name":"NASN school nurse (Print)","volume":" ","pages":"64-67"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147463959","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Protecting Adolescents, Strengthening Communities: Advancing Evidence-Based Adolescent Immunization Recommendations Through School Nurses and Trusted Public Health Messaging.","authors":"Terri Hinkley, Judy Klein","doi":"10.1177/1942602X261425232","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1942602X261425232","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adolescent vaccinations provide fundamental disease prevention, yet their uptake is waning. Community-based strategies that reinforce confidence in vaccines and ensure families receive clear, accurate information during moments of uncertainty, as well as personalized recommendations from their health care providers is essential. This article discusses how school nurses can communicate evidence-based adolescent immunizations recommendations to students and families using existing public health messaging.</p>","PeriodicalId":39156,"journal":{"name":"NASN school nurse (Print)","volume":" ","pages":"54-56"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147285362","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Using a Multi-Tiered System of Support to Address Chronic Absenteeism in Students with Chronic Health Conditions.","authors":"Kathy McCutcheon","doi":"10.1177/1942602X261416898","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1942602X261416898","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Over the past decade, there have been many interventions to decrease chronic absenteeism in school-aged children; however, chronic absenteeism remains a significant problem. School nurses can use a multi-tiered system of support to address the chronic health conditions of students in school to improve school attendance. Forty percent of school-aged children have at least one chronic health condition, and school nurses can facilitate safe student attendance in school with necessary health-related support. School nurses are usually the only school personnel with the education and training to support students with health issues. School nurses should use data to help identify students with chronic health conditions, provide interventions to support these students, and subsequently improve attendance and academic performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":39156,"journal":{"name":"NASN school nurse (Print)","volume":" ","pages":"91-95"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13392225/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146158682","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Energy Drinks and Today's Youth: What School Nurses Need to Know.","authors":"Wendy Donald","doi":"10.1177/1942602X261429502","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1942602X261429502","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This article examines the increasing popularity of energy drinks and the growing trend among young people to consume them. This trend persists despite evidence suggesting that caffeine consumption in the adolescent age group is not recommended, and if consumed, should be limited to no more than 100 mg daily. However, most energy drinks exceed 100 mg and contain additional ingredients that may contribute to health concerns and, in some cases, the need for medical care. Parents/guardians may not have a full understanding of the volume of caffeine they contain or their potential side effects. School nurses need to be knowledgeable about energy drinks to provide an appropriate assessment and an effective plan of care. Additionally, school nurses are well positioned to provide education to students, staff, and parents regarding the health concerns associated with energy drink consumption, especially when school policy doesn't address their accessibility or use during the school day.</p>","PeriodicalId":39156,"journal":{"name":"NASN school nurse (Print)","volume":" ","pages":"58-63"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147463977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"AI in School Health: Is It Appropriate for Mental Health Help?","authors":"Meghan M Pontz, Mary-Lee C Helbing","doi":"10.1177/1942602X261423916","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1942602X261423916","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is rapidly developing with many unknowns and unforeseen circumstances. With the behavioral healthcare needs of the country rapidly expanding, AI has been integrated into various healthcare settings in hopes of promoting timely and effective care delivery. Therefore, it is essential for school nurses to be aware of the basics of AI to subsequently address appropriateness and safety related to the use of AI for mental health help in school-aged children. Current uses of AI in mental healthcare are explored throughout this article, along with the potential positive aspects and adverse effects. Recommendations are provided for school nurses for the use of AI to address mental health concerns in school-aged children to promote optimal student health and success.</p>","PeriodicalId":39156,"journal":{"name":"NASN school nurse (Print)","volume":" ","pages":"68-73"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147327484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Empowering School Nurses in Delaware: A Collaborative Approach to Improving Diabetes Management in Schools.","authors":"Aimee Hastings","doi":"10.1177/1942602X251389946","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1942602X251389946","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Children with diabetes require skilled, consistent support during the school day to ensure safety, academic participation, and long-term wellbeing. In Delaware, a lack of access to updated training left school nurses underprepared to manage complex diabetes care in students. In response, the Delaware Department of Education, Delaware Diabetes Coalition, and Lions Club District 22D collaborated to bring free, evidence-based training to school nurses statewide. Through a grant from the Lions Club International Foundation, the Salus University course \"Diabetes Care at School: Bridging the Gap,\" was offered to all school nurses. One year into the program, 242 nurses-representing just over 60% of the state's school nurse workforce and all 19 school districts-participated in the training. This statewide initiative demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships and targeted education in improving school-based chronic disease care.</p>","PeriodicalId":39156,"journal":{"name":"NASN school nurse (Print)","volume":" ","pages":"39-41"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145565684","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Healthy, Safe, and Ready to Learn.","authors":"Catherine F Yonkaitis","doi":"10.1177/1942602X251406642","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1942602X251406642","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":39156,"journal":{"name":"NASN school nurse (Print)","volume":" ","pages":"3-4"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145850572","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Robert P Olympia, Neha Gupta, Paige Chardavoyne, Marcus Erdman, Susan J Boehmer
{"title":"Developing \"SYMBIOTIC\" Relationships With Urgent Care Centers: Improving the Referral Process Through Preparedness and Quality Improvement Initiatives.","authors":"Robert P Olympia, Neha Gupta, Paige Chardavoyne, Marcus Erdman, Susan J Boehmer","doi":"10.1177/1942602X251403000","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1942602X251403000","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Because of the widespread availability of urgent care centers (UCCs) and the non-emergent nature of many illnesses and injuries occurring in students who attend school, referrals to UCCs may be an option in the management of students without a primary care provider and with certain health insurance providers. Optimizing the care of these students involves several steps for the school nurse: (a) becoming familiar with the capabilities of the UCC in your community, and (b) establishing a collaborative relationship between the school and UCC through closed-loop communication and quality improvement initiatives.</p>","PeriodicalId":39156,"journal":{"name":"NASN school nurse (Print)","volume":" ","pages":"42-46"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12876415/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145935624","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}