Advocacy Priorities for 2025
The Ohio Association of School Nurses (OASN) is the professional organization for nurses working in Ohio schools and providing school health services. OASN’s purpose is as multifaceted and dynamic as the issues of health and wellness among Ohio’s school aged children and their communities. Our board partners with a variety of health and community organizations to address the needs of the school aged population throughout the state.
Definition of School Nursing
School nursing, a specialized practice of nursing, protects and promotes student health, facilitates optimal development, and advances academic success. School nurses, grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice, are the leaders who bridge health care and education, provide care coordination, advocate for quality student-centered care, and collaborate to design systems that allow individuals and communities to develop their full potential. Adopted by the NASN Board of Directors February 2017.
Key Challenges Facing Students
- Health Disparities: In 2023, over 7.8 million children aged 6-18 lived in poverty, while 3.3 million students lacked health insurance, limiting their access to essential healthcare.
- Chronic Conditions: One in four students manages conditions like asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy. Without adequate health support, these conditions can hinder their learning and overall development.
- Mental Health Crisis: 23% of children aged 3–17 are diagnosed with behavioral or mental health conditions. School nurses are often the first to recognize and address these challenges, collaborating with school staff and external providers to support students' emotional well-being.
- Chronic Absenteeism: Health-related factors contribute significantly to absenteeism, affecting academic success and widening the achievement gap, particularly among students of color and those in underserved communities.
Our Priorities:
1. Student Well Being – Student well-being is intricately connected to the well-being of the broader community, including adults and school nurses. We advocate for health policy that positively affects health of children our ability to deliver that care.
2. School Nursing Workforce – School nurses make a difference for students, families and schools. Our goal strives to increase the presence of nurses available in schools to provide health services.
3. Securing Sustainable Funding – There has never been a larger need for diverse and sustainable funding source for School Nursing.
OASN will align with NASN’s advocacy priorities. We are committed to advocate for policies at local, state, and national levels that support the health and well-being of students, as well as ensuring access to school health services. (About NASN - National Association of School Nurses)
OASN can be reached at: oasnpresident@gmail.com or 1-330-749-5068
Role Comparison of LSN-RN-LPN-UAP