Abstract
This past school year undoubtedly has been like no other. Our association’s annual report, published in March of this year, begins with the words “The end of 2019 could never have prepared us for the start of 2020” (National Association of School Nurses [NASN], 2021). See more about our association’s annual report in Box 1. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on the healthcare workforce and school nurses are no exception. With schools abruptly closing in mid-March 2020, our lives have certainly changed at work and home. The switch from in-person to virtual schooling happened overnight, and to finish out that school year required navigating uncharted territory. Then came the summer of 2020 where many school nurses had a “seat at the table” and were part of planning teams for the reopening of schools for Fall 2020. Although this was a good thing from the standpoint of the recognition of the nursing leadership role, it has also added to the workload. This public health crisis has put school nurses to the test this past year with additional responsibilities requiring working into the evening and weekend hours. School nurses are tired, and keeping their school communities safe and healthy has been a 24/7 effort. These summer months present the possibility for time to rest, recharge, and reflect.
Overview of NASN’s “School Nurses Leading the Way: 2019-2020 Annual Report”
As I begin my term as President of NASN, I encourage school nurses to give yourselves permission to selectively Unplug! In these short summer months, try and find some “You” time. Allowing yourselves to take the time for self-care is crucial more than ever now, having experienced these extremely stressful times in our lives during this pandemic. This might mean taking a pause to unplug from email, social media, and news reports, and demands of your job for a brief period to allow yourself the time to do something meaningful for you. It is important to be aware of your own self-care needs and to take action to meet those needs. The American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses highlights that nurses must adopt self-care as a duty to self in addition to their duty caring for patients (American Nurses Association, 2015).
The American Nurses Foundation has a Well-Being Initiative focused on the mental health and resilience of nurses due to extreme demands nurses are facing during this pandemic. The resources suggest tools for self-care such as a gratitude journal, breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, and much more (American Nurses Foundation, 2021). Utilizing the resources in this Well-Being Initiative is a great place to start; https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/work-environment/health-safety/disaster-preparedness/coronavirus/what-you-need-to-know/the-well-being-initiative/.
Technology can be used selectively to support self-care. Incorporating all areas of self-care, including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, personal, and professional aspects, will help develop you as a whole person. There are other useful tools for helping to initiate self-care habits. Below are links to a few apps with options to help you get started with meditation, positive thinking, and physical activity.
Headspace: Headspace (2021) is an app to help anyone start meditating. The guided voice will help you feel calm.
Shine: Shine (2021) is an app that helps keep you motivated with positive words.
Class Pass Go: Class Pass Go (2021) is an app that offers ready-to-play workouts that vary in length and difficulty.
Calm (2021): Calm (2021) is a mindfulness app for educators and healthcare providers.
The challenges presented during this pandemic have created opportunities for changes in the way we do things. To prepare for the future, it is important to be fit and well both physically and mentally. Caring for yourself will allow you to be better equipped to care for others in your role as a school nurse. Having that capacity to bounce back and be resilient will depend on how well you care for yourself. Being recharged will prepare you for the start of the new school year, which will undoubtedly have challenges as we move out of this pandemic and into the recovery phase. So take this opportunity during the summer months to get outdoors and practice your self-care so you are ready to be the school nurse your school community needs. Take the time to unplug this summer and incorporate some self-care habits in your life to bring with you into the next school year.
I am honored and excited about this leadership opportunity to serve as your NASN President for the next 2 years. Continuing to bring NASN’s strategic plan to life focusing on the mission and vision of the organization is my priority. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime with your questions, thoughts, and stories from the field—
Yours in service,
