February 2009

Nominations for Friend of Children Award
Do you know an individual, group or organization that through their action shows a genuine concern for children, their health and their well-being????  NSNA members may recommend recipients for this award. Please send a 1 page letter of recommendation addressing the following criteria about the individual, group, or organization:

• Characteristics and/or goals of the individual, group or organization that show an interest in the health and well-being of children.
• Actions by this individual, group or organization that support their “concern” for children.
• Community involvement, locally, regionally or statewide, that supports Nebraska   children    

Send nominations to Karen Boehm at klboehm@attg.net or mail to:
Karen Boehm
15067 Burdette St.
Omaha, NE 68116  

If you have questions please email me (see above) or call me at 402-201-7445. Nominations must be received by May 1, 2009.

Nominations for Nebraska School Nurse of the Year
Every year, Nebraska school nurses honor one of their own.  Please take a minute and consider nominating one of your colleagues.  Someone you admire, respect, or know to exhibit those qualities that set her apart from her peers.  The Nebraska School Nurse of the Year will have her nomination forwarded for consideration as the National School Nurse of the Year.  Following are details which can guide your selection:

Eligibility: 

• RN & NSNA member for the current & preceding 2 years
• 5 yrs experience as a school nurse & currently practice full-time as a school nurse (Full Time means working the full position available even if <40 hours/week)
• Must present evidence of leadership & excellence in school nursing practice
• FT supervisors & administrators who provide direct services to students are eligible if 50% of time is spent in direct care.
• To be eligible for the National SNOTY award, the nominee must meet  NASN guidelines & timeliness.

Criteria for Selection:        

• Provider of Client Care
• Program Management
• Health Education
• Professional Development
• Political/Legislative Activity
• Community Involvement
• Research

Procedure for Submission of Application
Prepare a letter of support indicating your reasons for nomination.  Use the above as a guideline for the content of the letter.  Be sure to include her present position, Employer, no. of years in school nursing & no. of years in her  current school system, & the grade levels.
Send nominations to Karen Boehm at klboehm@attg.net  or mail to:
Karen Boehm
15067 Burdette St.
Omaha, NE 68116

If you have questions please email me (see above) or call me at 402-201-7445. Nominations must be received by May 1, 2009.

NSNA Wants You - NSNA Needs You!!!
It’s time to start planning for next year.  NSNA is looking for a few great nurses who want to become involved in their organization, meet fascinating people & learn a lot!  Board meetings are held by teleconference in the comfort of your own home!

Needed:

• President Elect.   This a 3 year commitment, the 2nd year as President & the 3rd as Past President.  Presidential duties include developing the agenda for & presiding at the board meetings & annual meeting; communicating with members; promoting school nursing in NE; & appointing committee members.  You get to attend the NASN summer conference & are included in official NASN listserves.  The President Elect works with the Pres. to provide continuity in transition, serves as Pres in the absence of the Pres. & is the alternate State Director.  The Past President is an advisor, chairman of the nominating committee & SNOTY committee & parliamentarian.
• Secretary: 2 year commitment.  Duties include keeping minutes & reports of all meetings; emailing minutes & reports; & conducting general correspondence
• Treasurer.  A 1 year commitment to fulfill the rest of Heather’s term.  Duties: Keep full & correct account of receipts & disbursements in the books.  Pay bills as directed.  Some bookkeeping knowledge is helpful but not required.  NASN also provides some training (including CEU!).  We hope that you will also consider continuing a regular 2 yr term from 6/10-6/12. 
• State Director   A 4 year commitment.  The NSNA State Director is the Nebraska representative to the National Association of School Nurses Board of Directors. A NASN Board of Director serves NASN as a voting member in the development and approval of Policies and Procedures governing NASN. The BOD develops the strategic plan that directs how the organization functions in representing School Nursing and School Nurses. There are two Board of Directors meetings each year. The January meeting is in Washington, DC and the June meeting is just before the NASN Conference. The State Director is the liaison between NSNA and NASN. Reports are shared between the two organizations. Each Director serves on committees or task forces as assigned. For Nebraska the director is a member of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors, attending all meetings and the annual NSNA meeting, promotes school nursing in Nebraska and membership in NSNA and NASN. Being the State Director is an honor and a wonderful opportunity to grow professionally and personally. You meet and work with school nurses from all 50 states and from overseas. NSNA is very good at reimbursing expenses involved with serving as the Nebraska State Director. Experience on the state board is preferred but not required. The new SD would attend this year’s NASN summer conference to be installed.

With the exception of State Director, none of these offices require large amounts of time  or time away from family or work. Depending on your situation, some of your work can be done from your school office.  Many districts consider it a feather in their cap when staff is involved at state levels of a professional organization.  These are great opportunities to learn more about your profession, your organization & the legislative process.  If you have questions please talk with any former officer.  We really do want you & need you to become involved.  We thank the outgoing officers for their time & dedication!!