Dear TSNO Members,
On behalf of the Texas School Nurses Organization’s Board of Directors, I want to share my deepest gratitude with each of you. The efforts of school nurses to meet the needs of today’s students are unparalleled even in ordinary times. You advocate for quality student-centered care, contribute to the well-being of your campus, and provide the vital services to your communities. Through ongoing daily tasks, emergency preparedness, and supporting students with chronic healthcare needs, school nurses serve as the bridge between a student’s health and their education.
Today’s students are experiencing social and emotional needs like no generation before them, and your ability to attend to the increasingly complex nature of these needs and create a safe and supportive environment for students has an immeasurable life-long impact on our school communities. The pandemic highlighted the critical role of the school nurse and revealed the depth of our profession beyond existing public perceptions. Each of you has excelled through increased scrutiny and exemplifies the professionalism, expertise, and compassion of school nurses.
This School Nurse Day, we honor and celebrate your unwavering commitment, professionalism, and leadership within your school and community. Thank you for all you do to ensure students are healthy, safe, and ready to learn - and live - to their highest potential!
With gratitude,
Laurie Smith, BSN, RN, NCSN
TSNO President, 2023-2024