2022 NASN Elections
Candidate Data and Statement of View
Vice President
Francis Luna, MSN, RN, NCSN
Current NASN Affiliate: Texas School Nurses Organization (TSNO)
Major Clinical, Teaching, or Practice Area: School Nurse, Elementary & Secondary; Administration/Management (Cluster Leader)
Education: University of Texas at Arlington, Nursing Administration, Master of Science in Nursing, 2019; University of Texas at Arlington, Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 2017; Texarkana College, Nursing, Associate Degree - Nursing, 2001
Awards, Achievements, and Honors: National Certified School Nurse (NCSN), 2017 - Present; Region IV Texas School Nurses Organization President Award, 2021; Good Samaritan Foundation Excellence in Nursing Award, 2020; D Magazine’s Excellence in Nursing Award, 2019; NASN Washington Internship Scholarship, 2019; Garland Independent School District Excellent Award, 2016, 2017 & 2019; Garland ISD Education Foundation Scholarship, 2018; Texas Nurses Foundation Advocacy Scholarship, 2018; Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, 2017; NASN RN-BSN Scholarship Award, 2015
Number of Years in School Nursing: 19 years
Employment: Garland Independent School District, School Nurse and Cluster Leader, 2008 - Present: I currently provide student-centered school nursing care and school health education for students, families, and the school community at a Title I elementary school in Garland Independent School District, Garland, TX. I also provide nursing leadership for Cluster II school nurses. The responsibilities at my elementary school include the implementation of a robust school health program that will assist students in supporting their safety, optimal health, and academic success by providing a healthy and safe school environment.
Other Significant Positions Held: Staff Nurse, Timberlawn Behavior Health System, Dallas TX, 2012 - 2014; Staff Nurse, Living Hope Psychiatric Hospital, Atlanta, TX, 2007 - 2008; School Nurse, Atlanta Independent School District, Atlanta, TX, 2001 - 2008
Present NASN Offices/Appointments: : Board of Directors Member, 2017 - Present; NASN School Nurse Editorial Panel Member, 2021; Strategic Goal Committee: Education and School Nurse Practice Co-Chair, 2020 - 2021; Endowment Allocation Advisory Committee Member, 2020 - 2021; Endowment Fundraising Committee Member, 2020 - 2021; Executive Committee Elected Member, 2019 - 2021; Focus on the Framework National Presenter Member, 2019 - 2021; Recognition and Distinguished Service Committee Member, 2019-2021
Past NASN Offices/Appointments: Strategic Goal Committee: Education and School Nurse Practice Co-Chair, 2019 - 2020; Professional Practice Advisory Committee, 2019 - 2020; Board of Director, 2017 - 2020; Strategic Goal Committee: Advocacy and Membership Member, 2018 - 2019; NASN Nominating Committee, 2018 - 2019; Endowment Allocation Advisory Committee, 2016 - 2018
Present NASN Affiliate Offices/Appointments: TSNO Director, 2017 - Present
Past NASN Affiliate Offices/Appointments: Past-TSNO President, 2014 - 2016; TSNO President-Elect, 2012 - 2013; TSNO Advocacy Chair, 2010 - 2011; TSNO Treasurer, 2005 - 2009
Present Offices/Appointments in Other Associations: Texas Nurses Association, COVID-19 Task Force, 2020 - Present; Texas Board of Nursing, Nursing Practice Advisory Committee, 2017 - Present
Past Offices/Appointments in Other Associations:NA
Publications Significant to School Nursing:
- Luna, F., & Ondeck, L. (2018). Skin Cancer, Prevention of due to Ultraviolet Ray Exposure – The Role of the School Nurse. National Association School Nurses, Position Statement. https://www.nasn.org/nasn/advocacy/professional-practice-documents/position-statements/ps-skin-cancer
- Meadows, L.P, Griffin, C., Luna, F., Maughan, E., Peiffer, C., & Wysocki, R. (2019). Electronic Health Records: An Essential Tool for School Nurses to Keep Students Health. National Association School Nurses, Position Statement. https://www.nasn.org/nasn/advocacy/professional-practice-documents/position-statements/ps-electronic-health-records
- Less, C., Luna, F., Bruch, K.A., & Heiman, M. (2019). School Health Services Team Supporting Student Outcomes. National Association School Nurses, Position Statement. https://www.nasn.org/nasn/advocacy/professional-practice-documents/position-statements/ps-team
Participation in Publication Review: NASN School Nurse Reviewer, 2021
Presentations Significant to School Nursing:
- Luna, F., Howard, L. & Kablaitis, D. (2019). NASN Innovative Action Plan for TSNO Membership Growth. Presented at Texas School Nurses Organization Leadership Academy, San Antonio, TX.
- Luna, F., Del Bosque, A. & Bunting, D. (2019). Navigating School Nursing Practice with the Six Step Model. Presented at Texas School Nurses Organization State Conference, San Antonio, TX.
- Luna, F. & Thomas, C. (2017). 85th Legislative Update for School Nursing. Presented at Texas School Nurses Organization Leadership Academy, Woodlands, TX.
- Luna, F. (2017). 85th Legislative Update for School Nursing. Presented at Texas School Nurses Administrative Conference, Corpus Christi, TX.
- Luna, F. (2017). School Scoliosis Screening and the Effects of Bracing. Poster Presentation at the Texas School Nurses Organization State Conference. Woodlands, TX.
Research Significant to School Nursing: NA
Participation in Data Collection: Participated in data collection at the local level in my school district. At the state level, I collaborated with the state data champions in developing an awareness and action campaign for school nurses to collect data for Every Student Counts.
Statement of View: Leading in a time of uncertainty is a challenge for all school nurses.
By the beginning of my nursing career in 2001 as a school nurse, I realized how education is the foundation of a child's life, and my focus has remained on providing our students a safe and healthy learning environment. As a life-long learner and change agent, my background and work as a NASN/TSNO member and leader may be described as effective, extensive, and transformational.
NASN mission and vision statements guide us in providing students an opportunity to reach their full potential in learning, along with the NASN Strategic Plan, designed to make a real difference in our student's lives. We face challenges: Engaging school nurses in 21st-century practice; providing rich and robust resources for members; and establishing and maintaining a culture of data collection, research, and evidence use. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are also essential in molding and advancing our organization, bringing unique perspectives and life experiences to the table. I can lead to the sustainability, resiliency, innovation, and change in the advancement of NASN, forging ahead with new visions while honoring the professional and respected organization it is today. Learning from the past guides our eyes on the future, refining our strategies when needed to positively impact student health and school nursing practice. We must work together to ensure all students have a school nurse, all day, every day, and my organizational skills, contemporary experience, and creative mindset will help NASN strengthen membership, advocacy, communication, networking, partnerships, resources, and fundraising.
With your supporting vote as Vice-President, I am committed to continuing the collaboration needed with fellow NASN members, staff, and other organizations in our common goals of improving school nursing and school health for all students. I respectfully thank you for your kindest consideration.
This Vice President candidate completed the Nominating Committee process.