Delaware School Nurses celebrated National Nurses Week and National School Nurse Day during their spring conference and dinner meeting on Thursday, May 10, 2012. This year’s conference titled “Care Coordination: Making It Happen” was hosted by the school nurses from the Laurel and DelMar school districts at the Dover Sheraton.
Claudia Kane, MS, Senior Program Analyst with Nemours Health and Prevention Services presented the latest partnership between Nemours and Delaware’s Department of Education (DOE). After years of collaboration and work groups, Delaware school nurses are currently piloting the most recent state of the art collaboration regarding access to documents for students. Through Nemours-Link, school nurses will be able to access important documentation pieces such as immunizations, discharge summaries and chronic health related care plans. Currently, Milford School District and Red Clay School District are hosting the pilots. It is hopeful that next school years other districts will be added.
Linda Wolfe RN, MEd Health Services and Director School Support Services from DOE presented the most recent information on DPAS II Component V that will become effective school year 2012-2013.
Traditionally, DSNA’s spring meeting includes honoring our retirees. This year’s retirees were: Donna Sarik (Cape Henolopen), Janet Brown and Carol Sherkey (Colonial), Lynne Sweeney (Caesar Rodney), and Beth Reynolds (Christina).
For the first time, DSNA’s School Nurse of the Year nominees and winner were introduced and announced. This year’s nominees were: Loretta Weisberg (Brandywine), Chris Zimmerman (Christ the Teacher School), Terri Boothe (Christina) and Susan Hoffmann (Caesar Rodney). Susan Hoffmann will represent DSNA as Delaware’s 2012-2013 SNOY.
DSNA’s outgoing board members as well as incoming members were recognized. Leaving their elected positions are Peggy McKibbin – Treasurer, Carol Shumway – Secretary, Susan Hoffmann – NASN Director and Beth Light – President. Board Members for the 2012-2014 posts are Angel Boyce – Treasurer (appointed), Debbie Englehart – Secretary, Becky King – NASN Director, Susan Hoffmann – President-Elect and Pat Guilday – President.
Keeping in the theme of recognitions, Delaware was recognized by the National Association of School Nurses as a winner in the Voices of Meningitis Campaign. Delaware was among three states recognized for their efforts in educating their school communities and parents of students regarding the importance of immunizing against meningitis.
