Date and Time: This session is an “anytime session” and therefore can be viewed for 90 days beginning July 7, 2025!
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, mental health crises among students are a growing concern. School nurses are often the first to encounter students in distress, placing them at the forefront of crisis management. Recognizing the critical role they play, we (Dr. Meghan Pontz and Dr. Mary-Lee Helbing) are presenting an insightful session titled Caring for the Crisis: School Nurse Preparedness and Role Development.
Our one-hour presentation will dive into the intersection of school nursing and mental health, exploring strategies that empower school nurses to address these challenges effectively. Guided by the School Nursing Practice Framework—Care Coordination, Quality Improvement, Leadership, and Community/Public Health—we will highlight how school nurses can lead transformative efforts to ensure safe and supportive school environments.
Key topics include:
· Crisis Management Strategies: Practical approaches for identifying, managing, and preventing mental health emergencies in school settings.
· Collaboration and Leadership: Tools for partnering with mental health professionals and fostering interdisciplinary teamwork.
· Addressing Disparities: Insights into mental health concerns identified by the American Academy of Pediatrics, with a focus on racial and gender inequities.
· Training and Preparation: Recommendations for equipping school nurses and staff to respond effectively to crises.
We will also have colleagues act out a situation, mirroring a potential scenario, and offering techniques to implement these strategies in real-world settings.
This presentation is more than an exploration of current challenges—it’s a call to action! School nurses have the unique ability to bridge the gap between healthcare and education, becoming champions for equity and well-being. By empowering you with the tools and knowledge to address mental health crises, we can create a brighter, safer future for all students!
Join us for this essential conversation and leave inspired to make a meaningful impact in your school community. Together, we can transform mental health care for today’s children in the educational setting. Attend this Presentation and Prepare to Make an Impact!
Helpful Links:
Mental Health - National Association of School Nurses
Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit | SAMHSA
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day | SAMHSA
Mental Health Initiatives