Author: Jennifer McGrath, DNP, RN, LNC
I’m excited to present my poster, Empowering Students: Effective Strategies for Managing Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), at the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) 2026 Conference on June 30, 2026, from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. This session is designed to share practical, realistic strategies that school nurses can immediately implement to better support students living with POTS.
Students with POTS often face daily challenges such as dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty tolerating prolonged standing—barriers that can significantly impact learning. This poster breaks down those challenges and translates them into actionable solutions. For a deeper understanding of the condition, I recommend this overview from Johns Hopkins Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome-pots
Attendees will walk away with easy-to-apply strategies, including flexible seating options, hydration support, and structured opportunities for rest throughout the school day. I will also highlight the importance of strong, ongoing communication with families to ensure consistency of care across settings.
In addition, this poster emphasizes the value of a well-prepared health office. Simple interventions—like access to electrolytes and salty snacks—can make a meaningful difference in symptom management. I will also share approaches for symptom relief, including gradual position changes and modifications to physical education that keep students safely engaged.
A key focus of this session is reducing lost instructional time. I will showcase ways to leverage digital tools and modified assignments so students can continue learning, even during symptom flare-ups. Additional resources are available through Dysautonomia International: https://www.dysautonomiainternational.org/page.php?ID=30
Join me to explore how collaborative, school-based interventions can empower students with POTS to succeed—both in the classroom and beyond.
http://www.dysautonomiainternational.org/page.php?ID=30