Good afternoon school nurses! Whoo Hoo!! We made it through another school year, and it’s getting close to Conference time! Question: Are you interested in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)? How about participating in a thought provoking conversation about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion? Have you thought about your comfort level when certain or even sensitive DEI topics arise? Throughout the country we all are witnessing the considerable amount of attention devoted to this hot topic, and it is an increasingly important one especially in the school nursing profession. Staying abreast with today's school nursing issues and trends requires an understanding and appreciation of diversity, equity and inclusion. I am super excited for the opportunity to take a journey with you into the development and evolution of the importance of DEI, and its significance in shaping the school nurse’s understanding of the DEI role in school nursing practice.
While at Conference, make sure you stop by Booth #512, say hello, sign the guest book, meet fellow NASN members, and share your thoughts about DEI. School nurses, are you ready to have “The Talk''? We’re going to have that talk on Sunday June 30th starting at 11:00 AM so sign up for the breakout session to participate in an engaging DEI conversation. We will review case studies, share experiences, and set personal as well as professional goals to use in your workplaces for fostering inclusivity in your medical offices and schools. Inclusive workplaces such as the school setting are challenged to be the heartbeat of innovation, and are key to optimizing the health and well-being of students and staff.
The capacity for school nurse leaders and colleagues to model diversity, equity, and inclusive attitudes, language and practices is the rubric for collective commitment to empowering ourselves, and each other using the 21st century framework in advancing school nurse practice. Remember, failure to effectively demonstrate inclusivity in healthcare drives people away, harbors discrimination, normalizes inequity and has a direct impact on the mental health of our profession. Let’s get excited to have the talk that advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in school nursing practice. Feel free to share your thoughts or leave a comment as I always look forward to hearing from you. See you in a few short weeks in Chicago!