ASNC 2023-2024 Annual Report

ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL NURSES OF CONNECTICUT

2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT

ASNC- the organization- ASNC is the only professional organization for school nurses in Connecticut.  Meetings are held virtually every month.  ASNC welcomes Paula Feyerharm, Nurse Supervisor Tolland. as the new President.  Board members look forward to working with Paula on behalf of Connecticut school nurses.

ASNC- the advocate- Collaboration between ASNC and CNA continues.  It is noteworthy that ASNC has been supported by CNA for many years.  Legislation related to a Special Services Endorsement heralded the first time attention from stakeholders was placed on the role, the skills and the knowledge required for the position of school nurse. School nurses and CNA leaders operated together to craft the long overdue legislation.  Work towards a Special Services Endorsement is ongoing with Representative Jeff Currey as a supportive contributor to the goal.  State Department of Education and Department of Public Health representatives are valuable partners in this work.  Hard working school nurses dedicated to bringing a Special Services Endorsement to reality continue to move the profession closer to this achievement.

ASNC- the representative- ASNC has representation on the Government Relations Committee and the Specialty Nurse Organizations both under the umbrella of CNA.  The ability to share with legislative leaders and various nurse specialties contributes a great deal to all who participate.  Meetings are held virtually.  The outcome is a learning experience as well as a exposure to the broad scope of the nursing profession.  It is an opportunity to explore our differences and, more importantly, our similarities.

ASNC- the partner-The Annual Critical Issues in School Health sponsored by AAP, Connecticut Chapter, and ASNC resulted in a successful in-person conference held on March 22,2023 at the Courtyard Marriott in Cromwell.  

ASNC- the voice- At the request of CNA, ASNC participated in World Asthma Day on May 2,2023 at the Capitol in Hartford.  The theme was “Asthma Care for All.”  The commissioner of the Department Public of Health, physicians, and a parent were among the speakers.  ASNC was able to speak on behalf of school age children highlighting the challenges of dealing with asthma and allergies and the importance of the school nurse in care of children with health issues.  “Keeping kids in school, in class and ready to learn.”

ASNC- the facilitator- ASNC, with Connecticut as the sponsoring state, held a successful New England School Nurse Conference on 5/6-5/7/23 at the Hilton Mystic. Evaluations from the conference were positive and the outcome was a profitable one for all New England states.

During the conference, all New England school nurses, including Connecticut, were recognized by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America for their contributions to asthma and allergy care.  Representatives from every New England School Nurse Association will be recognized at the 2023 Fall Gala on November 3,2023 in Boston.  Congratulations to all!

ASNC- the dedicated- The dedication of a core group of school nurses is the force behind maintaining and strengthening the only professional organization in Connecticut for school nurses.  Without their contributions, ASNC could not carry out the work of advocating for school nurses and the children they serve.  ASNC continues to solicit participation in the organization as we look forward to new leadership and new ideas for 2023-24.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna Kosiorowski MS RN NCSN

Association of School Nurses of Connecticut (ASNC)

SCHOOL NURSE ADVISORY COUNCIL, Donna Kosiorowski MS RN NCSN, Co-chair

Background and Purpose

Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.), Section 10-212f, School Nurse Advisory Council Report, effective July 1, 2013, established the School Nurse Advisory Council. The Council makes recommendations to the Commissioners of Public Health and Education and the joint standing committees of the General Assembly on matters related to education and public health including (1) professional development for school nurses; (2) school nurse staffing levels; (3) the delivery of health care services by school nurses in schools and other matters that affect school nurses; (4) protocols for Emergency Medication Administration; and (5) protocols for evaluating certain temporary medical conditions that may be symptomatic of serious illnesses or injuries. 

The Council currently has full representation with the exception of 1199.  Meetings will begin in September 2023, held monthly on the last Tuesday of the month (exception December which will be on the third Tuesday due to the Christmas holiday).  Members of the public and interested parties may attend with advanced notice to the Co-chairs.

The Council will continue a discussion on a Special Services Endorsement for school nurses and other recommendations deemed appropriate.  Thanks to members of the Council for their willingness to serve. 

Current members are:

Co-Chairs:

Donna Kosiorowsk (CNA Rep) and Verna Bernard Jones (ASNC and AFT)

Representatives:

Principal- Dr. Anthony Salvatore

Academy of Pediatrics- Dr. Barbara Ziogas

CABE- Sheila McKay

VNA- Marysia Chabotte

Superintendent- Patrick Stirk 

SDE- Chlo Anne Bobrowski

DPH- Christine Velasquez

1199- Vacant