Welcome Back, New York School Nurses!
Dear New York School Nurses,
On behalf of the New York State Association of School Nurses (NYSASN), I would like to welcome everyone back to another school year—2026–2027!
This will be my final letter to you as your NYSASN President. Beginning in November, our President-Elect, Patricia Hartman, will take over as President. It takes many committed individuals to run an effective and successful organization. Since 1986, the NYSASN Board of Directors has worked tirelessly to provide exceptional educational programs, resources, and support to school nurses with varying levels of experience and knowledge.
Serving as the president of a volunteer organization such as NYSASN is both challenging and rewarding. As president, I have had the privilege of serving as the spokesperson and the “go-to” person when issues and questions arise. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served our organization and our school nurses across New York State.
I hope everyone had a wonderful summer break and enjoyed some well-deserved time with family and friends. It was wonderful to see new faces at School Nurse Orientation (SNO) in August, and I hope to see many more of you at the NYSASN Annual Conference, November 6–8, 2026, in Binghamton, NY.
I am confident that you will benefit from the knowledge, professional development, and networking opportunities our conference provides. NYSASN offers excellent educational conferences while representing school nurses at the state level. Our conferences provide much more than educational opportunities—they are also a time to connect, have fun, share experiences, and unite with our school nurse colleagues from across New York.
The Importance of Membership
Membership in your professional organization is considered a standard of excellence in school nursing practice and demonstrates your commitment to our profession. We applaud you for that commitment!
NYSASN is the only professional organization in New York State dedicated solely to representing school nurses. If you are not already a member, I encourage you to consider joining. Your membership provides access to valuable resources, professional education, networking opportunities, and information about important issues affecting school nurses in New York and throughout the country.
If you are already a member, I sincerely thank you for your continued support of NYSASN and our mission:
To advance the practice of school nursing and enhance the educational success of students by promoting quality health services.
School Nurses Make a Difference Every Day
School nurses are often the first people students turn to when they do not feel well or have been injured. However, our role extends far beyond treating minor illnesses and injuries.
We provide essential health services that support students' ability to learn and succeed. We are first responders to medical concerns, administer medications, manage chronic health conditions, provide health education, conduct screenings, make referrals, and advocate for students and families.
School nurses also serve as an important bridge between the school, families, health care providers, and community resources. We understand that health and learning are closely connected, and we recognize the home and community factors that can affect a student's health and educational success.
Students today may face complex and life-threatening health conditions that require care and support during the school day. Every student deserves to have their physical and mental health needs addressed while at school, and parents and guardians deserve confidence that their children will receive appropriate care.
School nurses are vital members of school health teams and contribute to MTSS, 504 Plans, IEPs, and other student-support systems. We help ensure that health needs are considered as part of the educational process.
For more than 100 years, school nurses have played a critical role in improving public health and supporting student success. By recognizing and supporting the important contributions of school nurses, we can also encourage more individuals to consider school nursing as a career and help address the shortage of school nurses working in New York State schools.
Advocacy for School Nursing
NYSASN continues to work toward our goal of a “School Nurse in Every School.” We remain hopeful that our state legislators and school officials will continue to recognize the value school nurses bring to our school communities.
We have joined forces with NYSUT and the Collective Care Team in support of legislation related to this goal. We are also working with the Epilepsy Coalition of New York State on Seizure Safe Schools legislation and are currently working on the appropriate language for the bill.
NYSASN continues to reinforce the important role of school nurses as the liaison between home, school, health care providers, and community resources. Together, we help guide and support school nurses throughout New York State in fulfilling our mission.
Important Updates for the 2026–2027 School Year
I would also like to welcome back NYSCSH. The school year has begun with important updates and information from NYSED and NYSCSH. Please visit the NYSASN website for links and additional information.
Current and upcoming topics include:
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Allergies, Anaphylaxis, and Epinephrine —updated April 2026
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Athletics
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Concussion and upcoming guideline updates
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Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
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Diapering and Toileting
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Influenza
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Health Examinations — update coming soon
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Immunizations — the Pre-K–12 reporting period opens October 5, 2026, and closes November 13, 2026
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Managing Emergency Health Care and Communicable Diseases — update coming soon
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Measles
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Medications — updated August 2026
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Opioid Awareness
Please continue to check the NYSASN website and NYSED/NYSCSH resources for the latest guidance and updates throughout the school year.
Thank You, School Nurses!
We, as school nurses, show up every single day for students who need us.
We catch what others may miss. We advocate for students who cannot advocate for themselves. We work with limited resources and limited backup, yet we continue to provide care with unlimited dedication.
We are compassionate caregivers, temperature takers, head-lice checkers, headache and stomachache experts, medication keepers and administrators, vision and hearing screeners, health educators, advocates, coordinators, and so much more.
Most importantly, we provide tender loving care to our students.
You are the best!
All of us at NYSASN are grateful for every school nurse across New York State. Thank you for everything you do each and every day while “Caring for New York’s Future.”
As Florence Nightingale reminded us:
“Let us never consider ourselves finished nurses … we must be learning all of our lives.”
Together, we are stronger.
Every role we fulfill as school nurses contributes to healthier students who are better prepared to learn and succeed. Thank you for caring for the students of New York State and for the countless ways you make a difference in their lives.
Finally, I hope to see many of you at the NYSASN Annual Conference, November 6–8, 2026, in Binghamton, NY. I look forward to celebrating our profession, learning together, and connecting with all of you.
With sincere appreciation,
Jill Kenney, RN
President
New York State Association of School Nurses (NYSASN)