I am proud to say the the Ohio Association of School Nurses (OASN) is madly brainstorming ways to involve younger nurses entering the field of school health. Millennials and others below the age of 40 often use social media as a primary means of communication. OASN aims to use social media to promote the organization and to increase its membership. Attracting younger nurses will keep the organization strong.
OASN has been in existence for 46 years. Just a few years shy of the establishment of the National Association of School Nurses. OASN was organized in December of 1972 by the School Nurse Steering Committee. By January of 1973, OASN's constitution was drafted and adopted, a dues structure was formulated, and plans for a statewide meeting were established. I find it interesting that Ohio passed Amended House Bill 341 that same year. This bill required school nurses to be certified by the Ohio Department of Education. The effect of this action was that school nurses were officially recognized as certified education professionals. OASN established affiliate status with the Ohio Education Association (OEA) in 1973 and continues to work with OEA in supporting the educational success of school children.
I would like to share that OASN continues to be actively involved in improving school health standards through its involvement in the legislative arena. OASN has not only supported legislation that improves access to lifesaving medications such as rescue inhalers and Epi-pens, but it has supported legislation that upholds standards of school health personnel (level of education, certification etc....). OASN is continuously working to provide updated information on school health and to keep its members abreast of current issues affecting the practice of school nursing. OASN is a vibrant organization that is constantly evolving to meet the needs of its members. A as mentioned previously, OASN is developing strategies to attract younger school nurses. Creative methods for promoting membership will keep the organization healthy and strong. I am privileged to be a member of this organization.
An exciting event for OASN is the upcoming state conference in Dayton, Ohio- "Taking Flight: School Nurses Soaring to Improve Student Outcomes". The event is appropriately named as Dayton is home of the Wright Brothers.
Written by: Edna Wright DNP, RN, Licensed School Nurse, Ohio Association of School Nurses