How Have You Used the Framework in Your Practice?
Years ago, my grandmother introduced me to another nurse by saying, “This is my granddaughter, she used to be a nurse but now works with computers.” I was shocked. I used a computer, but anyone who knows me would not be coming to me for computer advice. 
I have thought of this experience often and why would she describe my job as a school nurse and school nurse consultant this way? I realized I did not articulate what I did clearly and my job was never the same thing every day. This makes it hard to clearly articulate what we do.
NASN developed the Framework for 21st Century School Nursing PracticeTM to help practicing school nurses explain to others the various aspects of their job. The Framework was also meant to help school nurses prioritize activities. Our activities should center on what our students and schools need and we have many demands. In addition, some educators are not clear on what our potential can be and focus on their historical understanding of school nursing. We all know that times have changed – students come to school sicker and with complex social and emotional needs, technology is changing, and evidence is more readily available to improve our practice.
When we developed the Framework, we asked for feedback and reviewed all of it. One concern raised several times was that the Framework was nice, but that individual school nurses could not apply it to their practice. Hopefully, you have had an opportunity to hear the podcast about the Framework article published in the January 2016 NASN School Nurse where examples are provided of how the Framework could be applied to practice. Did you know a downloadable version of the Framework is also on NASN’s website for you to use?
That is just the beginning. The general session at NASN’s 2016 Annual Conference will provide an overview of the Framework and explains how it can be used in practice. Real-life school nurses just like you (and me) will share how they have successfully used the Framework. We will also provide tips about how to advocate for change using the Framework.
I would love to hear how you have used the Framework in your practice. Please let me know in one of the following ways.
1. Enter a comment on this blog post.
2. Write a blog.
3. Record your story on video and then share your video file in a discussion post.
NOTE: If you do write a blog, share a video, or send a discussion post, please let me know by entering a comment on this blog. You will need to login to SchoolNurseNet to comment, blog, or send a discussion post.
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