Get to know your Executive Board!

The NSNA board will be featuring school nurses across the state so we can get to know everyone a little bit! This month's feature-- the school nurses who are on the Executive Board.

NSNA Executive Board Spotlight:

President: Kay Duncan, MAA, BSN, RN, CPN

How long in School Nursing: 18 years

Practice location: Lincoln Public Schools

How long as NASN/NSNA member: 10 years

Why I am I a member: I value the ability to connect with Nebraska School Nurses, as well as school nurses around the country. Being a member has helped me to grow professionally as well as personally.

Advice to new SN's: Join your organization!  Do not be afraid to ask questions or reach out to other Nebraska School Nurses for help and advice.

President-Elect: Catherine S. Heck, RN, BSN, MA

How long in School Nursing: January 2009 - till present

Practice Location:  Assistant Supervisor - Health Services (OPS - Student and Community Services Division)

Practice location: Elementary / Secondary Alternative / Administration

How long as NASN/NSNA member: Since 2014

Why I am I a member: To advance my own practice and to facilitate the transition of school nursing to coordination of care.

Advice to new SN's: The first year is a steep learning curve and yet - it’s the hardest work you'll ever love!

 

Past President: Julie Frederick, BSN, RN, NCSN

Health Services Coordinator, Lincoln Public Schools

School Nurse-16 years

NASN/NSNA Member-8 years

I became a member because I was invited!  That invitation inspired a growth spurt in my career as a school nurse.  I soon became involved in the leadership of NSNA and gained confidence in my skills as a school nurse.  I have learned so much and am so grateful for the relationships I have built with school nurses in Nebraska and across the country.

Advice:  Don't wait to get involved with your state and national organizations.  If you want to grow and expand your knowledge of school nursing, reach out and get ready to bloom!  They are so many amazing people and experiences waiting for you.

Treasurer: Paulette Kuhlman BSN, RN, NCSN

School Nursing: 5 years

Practice Location: Lincoln Public Schools

How long NSNA/NASN member: 5 years

Why I am a member: The value of belonging to NSNA and NASN flows from the professional development and connections with others that occur in our field of school nursing. The commitment to our profession and active participation in its advancement enhances my personal and career profile.

Advice to new School Nurses:  Persist in using professional skills and evidenced based practice to achieve the best outcome for students.  Develop relationships with students, family, community members,  school administrators and staff for that team focus.

 

Secretary: Julene Lesher, RN, BSN

How long in School Nursing: 17 years

Practice location:  Lincoln Public Schools, Arnold Elementary School

How long as NASN/NSNA member: 13 years

Why I am I a member: I am a member because I believe all professionals have the responsibility to be a supportive member of their professional organization: collective voices speak much louder than individual voices.   I also get the benefits of the VSP Vision Vouchers for my students, and access to the evidence based research articles on the NASN website.   The membership has also allowed me to gain leadership skills and build relationships with colleagues around Nebraska, as well as around the United States.

Advice to new SN's: Don't try to change the world in your first year in school nursing.  School Nursing is vastly different than any other form of nursing, even if your background is in pediatrics or public health.  Use your first year to get accustomed to the school, staff and students and become a member of your professional organization.  Build relationships with at least two seasoned school nurses who can be a resource for you when you have questions.  Use the resources of NASN to help guide your practice, especially during your first year in school nursing.

 

NASN Director: Wendy Rau, RN, BSN, Supervisor of Health Services

How long in School Nursing: Since 2005

Practice location:  Lincoln Public School

How long as NASN/NSNA member:  ?

Why I am a member:  Many, many reasons- great networking, available resources and access to evidence based practice, wonderful advocacy tools, community of passionate School Nurses, leadership opportunities-(challenged me to step out of my comfort zone!), Staff Development opportunities, Professional Growth and VSP coupons for students.

Advice to new SN's:  One of the best ways to advocate for your students and Keep them safe, healthy and ready to learn is by telling your story!