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Click here to download the flyer Register Here Northern Section Fall Conference 2026, Saturday, Sept 19, 2026 Dr. Nakia Best PhD, RN, At the 2026 NASN Conference, Dr. Nakia Best, PhD, RN, was inducted as a Fellow of the National Association of School Nurses (NASN), one of the profession's highest honors. Dr. Best is a tenured Associate Professor at the University of California, Irvine, and has partnered with CSNO on multiple research studies involving school nurses and students. Describing her work, Dr. Best shares, "I'm a nurse scientist advancing health through data storytelling, shaping state and regional policy with measurable outcomes, and mentoring future leaders in evidence-based care." She adds that her focus is "advocating for equitable access to full-time school nurses for all children and adolescents." Dr. Best's research examines how school health services improve both the health and educational outcomes of school-aged children and adolescents. Her work leverages data to demonstrate the impact school nurses and the services they provide have on student success. In addition to her role at UC Irvine, Dr. Best serves as a member of the American Heart Association Young Hearts Council, the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Committee, and the Council on Epidemiology and Prevention (EPI) Committee: EPI & Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing Prevention Science Joint Committee. She also serves on the Board of the School Nurses of California Foundation. According to the NASN website (2026): "The honor of Fellow is the most prestigious recognition that members can receive from the National Association of School Nurses (NASN). It is a symbol of superior achievement in the school nursing profession and exceptional contributions to NASN and the profession of school nursing. The depth and breadth of the Fellow's imprint on the field is extraordinary; their contributions have had significant and enduring impact, and their exemplary leadership qualities and achievements are recognized by many." CSNO proudly congratulates Dr. Nakia Best on this well-deserved recognition as an NASN Fellow. Her induction reflects her outstanding leadership, scholarship, and dedication to advancing school nursing and improving the health and well-being of children and adolescents. Mary E. Henley, California, 1998 Nursing is a Profession! Urge a Vote Yes for H.R. 8691: Nursing is a Professional Degree Act CSNO is asking school nurses to reach out to their US Senators and Congress Member urging the support of H.R. 8691: Nursing is a Professional Degree Act. Earlier this past year, CSNO rallied a similar outreach campaign and now that federal legislation has been proposed, it is crucial that we join forces with other nurse organizations to support the passage of this Federal legislation. Funding for master's level and above nursing programs was recently omitted by a Department of Education Committee. A federal judge has issued a "Stay Order", which will continue funding until we can collectively get this legislation across the finish line. CSNO Member Dr. Liz Dietz, recently travelled to Washington DC with ANA Delegates and other nursing professionals to urge legislation. You will see Dr. Dietz (Second row from the front, sixth person in wearing red!) Dr Liz Dietz, EdD, RN, CS-NP, CSN, FAAN, American Red Cross: Volunteer Partner, Program Specialist, Service to Armed Forces, SAF MEPS LEAD / BRIEFING LEAD, NHQ:SAF-OPS-Program Management-Medical Compliance Partner, Advisor Pacific Division Disaster Disability Integration, Disaster Disability Integration Regional Lead - NCCR - Red Cross, Disaster Health Services Manager, ESGR - Area 2 Chairperson, Professor Emerita - San Jose State University flanked by other nursing colleagies to urge the passage of H.R. 8691: Nursing is a Professional Degree Act. We ask that you join us! CSNO has crafted a sample letter. We ask that you keep your letter professional and please void of any condescending language. Focus on the impact you have made on children and that you are often the only access to health care services in your community. Please send letters to the following: United States Congress Members https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative It's that time of year where we are excited to announce the launch of the CSNO California School Health Services Survey. We were impressed by the increase in school nurse participation last year! We hope to see greater impact this year. School Nurses that participate and complete the survey will be entered into a chance to win a free CSNO Conference registration, which will be held at the August 31 & Sept 2; 5:30-8:00 About the School Nurse Academy CSNO is pleased to launch the first school nurse academy cohort for 26-27. The School Nurse Academy was designed by school nurses for school nurses. The Academy features a hybrid learning experiences. One module will be conducted via Zoom; the remaining modules studied online. Enrollment is limited to 25 participants. Zoom portions include the Role of the School Nurse. Online learning modules include Physical assessment of school aged students in educational settings & Legal Aspects; MTSS and the continuum of SST to IEP; Emergency Response and Safe Schools; School Nurse Past, Present & Future; Vision Screening; Communicable Diseases; Immunizations; Population Health and Community Health; School Nurse Image; and School Health Financing. The modules include interactive activities that allow for self-paced course work The CSNO School Nurse Academy is facilitated by experienced school nurse leaders who serve or served on the CSNO State Board. School Nurse Academy attendees automatically become CSNO members since organizational support is critical to support new school nurse success. CSNO is pleased to offer 62 BRN contact hours through the California Board of Registered Nursing. The California School Nurses Organization is provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing CEP #04269. We regret that once registered, no cancellations or refunds may be made, however substitutions are welcome. |
