School Health

Across the country, legislation is driving the conversation on access to period products in schools, with many states passing laws requiring them to be provided for free. Studies show that nearly 1 in 4 students struggle to access period products  (State of the Period 2023), which can negatively impact their education, health, and well-being. These initiatives acknowledge that period products are essential, not a luxury.

That’s where Aunt Flow comes in. As a certified woman-owned business, Aunt Flow is on a mission to ensure high-quality period products are freely accessible, championing the belief that “Toilet paper is offered for free. Why aren't pads and tampons?” Today, Aunt Flow products are stocked in over 600 schools nationwide—helping school districts prioritize student health, dignity, and academic success.

As of January 1, 2025, 28 states and the District of Columbia have enacted legislation requiring schools to provide free period products to students. However, the specifics of these laws vary, with differences in funding provisions and the grade levels affected. 

Beyond passing legislation, where these products are placed within schools plays a crucial role in accessibility. Some schools debate whether to stock them in bathrooms or the nurse’s office, often citing concerns about restocking, vandalism, or theft. But to truly support students, period products should be available where they’re needed most—inside school bathrooms—ensuring easy, immediate, and stigma-free access.

The Benefits of Offering Free Period Products in Schools

Providing free period products in schools comes with several important benefits:

• Supports student health, dignity, and attendance: 84% of teens have missed class or know someone who has missed it because they didn’t have access to menstrual products (State of the Period 2023). Ensuring students have access to necessary products helps them stay in school without unnecessary disruptions. 

• Reduces stigma around menstruation: Normalizing period products as everyday essentials helps eliminate shame and discomfort around the topic.

• Aligns with similar initiatives like free toilet paper and soap in restrooms: Schools already provide other essential hygiene items—period products should be no different.

Why Location Matters: Bathroom Access vs. Nurse’s Office:

Even in schools that do provide period products, where those products are located matters. Many schools only offer menstrual products in the nurse’s office. The reality? Requiring students to visit the nurse’s office for period products can create unnecessary obstacles.

As Jennifer Christensen, Principal of Olympus High School in Salt Lake City, Utah, explains, 'Students in the past would have to come to the office or the counseling center, and they would have to come in and ask if they had any kind of period products. It would be scary and nerve-racking for a lot of students to come in and ask for anything they might need. I would say every school needs to have something easily, readily available for students.'

Barriers to access: Students may feel embarrassed asking for products, lose valuable class time, or face limitations on availability. In fact, 44% of teens report stress and embarrassment due to a lack of access to period products (State of the Period 2023). 

Not to mention, sending students to the nurse’s office takes them out of class. If a student has to leave to get a pad or tampon, that’s time lost from valuable learning opportunities—just for something as simple as managing a period.

A more effective solution: Placing products in bathrooms allows for immediate, discreet, and equitable access, empowering students to manage their periods without disruption.

Addressing Concerns: Dispenser Maintenance, Restocking, and Respectful Usage

Some schools hesitate to place period products in bathrooms due to concerns about maintenance and misuse. Let’s dive into some proactive strategies that can help give schools some peace of mind!

Dispenser Maintenance and Restocking

Launching a free period program is a great first step—but long-term success depends on consistent upkeep. That’s where your maintenance and facilities teams come in—they’re the real MVPs! 

Set them up for success by putting the right systems in place:

• Set clear procedures and schedules for restocking, dispenser maintenance, and reordering.

• Provide training for staff and establish protocols for responding to feedback.

• Maintain open communication about supply levels and streamline access to reordering information.

Once you’ve completed staff training, keep your period program running smoothly:

• Monitor usage patterns and adjust stocking levels accordingly.

• Gather feedback from users (anonymous surveys work great!) and document any issues or complaints.

• Track costs and optimize ordering to minimize waste.

Pro tip: Create a map of all dispenser locations to share with your facilities team—it makes restocking and maintenance much more efficient!

Encouraging Respectful Use

While overuse and vandalism are uncommon, they can occasionally occur in adolescent-heavy environments like K–12 schools—often simply because students are adjusting to something new in their bathrooms. 

When period products are introduced, there may be initial curiosity or concern about scarcity. But once students trust that products will be consistently available, misuse tends to decrease. Educating students about the program and involving them in its rollout helps foster respect, reduce waste, and create a shared sense of responsibility.

Here are a few effective solutions:

• Educational Signage: It’s vital to educate people on the importance of such products' accessibility and the importance of ensuring that they are not misused. Download Aunt Flow's signage to place next to your dispenser!

• Education and Awareness: Language is power! Understanding and talking about the experiences of menstruators and the challenges associated with period poverty and menstrual equity can help form empathy and positive attitudes toward free-vend dispensers. 

• Bathroom Tours: Quite a few schools have led “school bathroom tours” once their Aunt Flow dispensers are implemented. That way, students can see the dispensers, learn how to use them, and dispose of products properly. Students love the “field trip” they get out of it and respect the products!

From Legislation to Implementation: Building a Sustainable Period Program

If your school is looking to comply with or implement policies regarding providing free period products, the first step is to understand the legislation in your state and then work with School Health to stock your bathrooms with Aunt Flow products. 

Schools can take steps to implement sustainable programs by:

• Leverage funding and community support: Many schools don’t realize they can tap into existing federal and state funding—like Title I, Title IV, and McKinney-Vento—to cover the cost of period products. Beyond that, districts can apply for grants or partner with local organizations and education foundations to strengthen their programs.
• Create a consistent restocking plan: A sustainable program isn’t just about launching—it’s about keeping it running smoothly. That starts with building a plan for regular restocking, aligning with your facilities team, and budgeting for ongoing supply needs.
• Use plug-and-play implementation tools: Aunt Flow and School Health offer ready-to-use education kits, signage, and staff training materials that simplify rollout and help students access products without confusion or stigma.
• Track usage and measure impact: We provide tools to help schools track product usage, gather student feedback, and evaluate the program’s success—so you can report on impact and keep the program thriving.

Ready to get started? Aunt Flow and School Health are here to help you feel equipped and empowered for a period program at your school! 

The 2025 edition of the ATIA Conference provided a lot of great information as well as some new devices which can better support all our individuals. Presentations and activities brought forth some of the leading experts in the field to share insights as well as look toward the future in this time of uncertainty. Recognition was given to outstanding members in our field like Deb Fitzgibbons from OTAP being recognized with the Joy Zabala Award and Caroline van Howe who is retiring from her role at ATIA. It was great to see so many of the names that we all recognize in the field, leading presentations and evening events as well.

One of the topics that arose this year was the uncertainty around funding and the future of Special Education. Funding has been an issue for us for a very long time and so there are some things that we can look to do to keep us in alignment with supporting our individuals as best we can. Ironically, that aligns with my blog from earlier this year on “future-proofing” your AT. Two of the main ideas from that blog were also thoughts discussed in Florida. The first idea we can focus upon is reviewing what we have and seeing how those devices can be re-purposed or used in multiple manners. Those of you who have heard me speak or read some earlier blogs know that assistive technology can be utilized in manners well beyond the single use for which they might have been purchased. Feel free to reach out to me after you have put together a list of what you already have and we can discussed alternative uses of those products. That list can also supply you with the information you need to understand some gaps where other types of devices would be helpful. That way, districts are not constantly ordering the same products when the budget allows while not addressing those gaps.

The next idea is to use your state or regional lending libraries.  All states have some form of a lending library. Some of the ones you may be aware of are groups like AzTAP working in conjunction with Northern Arizona University, the T/TAC teams in Virginia, OCALI in Ohio, and so many others. These lending libraries have the devices and the expertise to support you with your questions and concerns when working with your students. There are also some companies that offer trial programs. Be sure with those cases that you understand the expectations. For example, at School Health, we have a program for certain devices that has a set time frame for the trial along with an agreement to be signed and shipping back to the office after the trial ends. Other groups may have fees associated with the trial. I am concerned with groups that simply hand things out without anything being signed. I have heard that there are newer companies that will do this and then send out an invoice later without discussion. Be sure you know what the “rules of the road” are when using a program for trialing devices before purchasing as this is still the best way to ensure you are getting what the individual needs.

Another discussion point that arose surrounded new devices and how to distinguish between something that has merit for our individuals and something that was just “thrown together” in an attempt for the designer to make money off a perceived need. It is always interesting to see some of the new products at shows like ATIA and follow them to see how long they make it. App developers tend to be the ones with the greatest turnover. There have been several developers who wanted to work with me. However, when I asked for their research and pilot study information, the only sound I received was that of the dial tone after they hung up. As you are evaluating apps, do not be afraid to ask where they tested this and if there are any additional costs associated with the app down the road. You also want to make sure that if any information on the students is kept, that all federal regulations are being met, including having the cloud where information is stored be secure and located within the US.

Of the new products I would recommend, there were two which stood out. First, C-Pen has added another device to its portfolio. The Reader3 was launched at ATIA with some fanfare. They have updated some of their features including adding a touchscreen and word-by-word translation for 5 imbedded languages which can be accessed offline and another 40+ online. It still has the features of the Reader2 which makes it an easy transition for many of our individuals. I know that some of our schools prefer not to have internet accessibility and that is why the Reader2 is still being manufactured with the same high standards.

The second product that meets a need for our individuals and stands out as very robust is the CMPSR. This device looks like a joystick on a power wheelchair but does some amazing things. It connects to your iPad through Garage Band and allows the user to play the instruments in Garage Band simply by moving the joystick in color-coordinated directions. The easy to access button combinations also permit shifting into chords from notes. Now, more individuals will have the opportunity to actively participate in their school bands as well as perform solos with “real” instrumentation and not just symbols or drums. We are starting to see more groups focus on creating access to the arts as that is certainly needed.

What comes next for our educational environments? We are definitely in a time of uncertainty. Know that we at School Health are here to support you!  Jodi Szuter and I will be at CEC in Baltimore along with other conferences throughout the year. You may see each of us individually at some state conferences as well like MI CEC and the Region X Conference in Texas. Feel free to reach out to see when we will be near you or when we can support you on a professional development day through a virtual or in-person presentation based on your needs.

We want you to have the opportunity to put your energy into supporting your students by allowing you to have us to support you on the technology and its variety of applications within the classroom. You can reach us at jszuter@schoolhealth.com or rheipp@schoolhealth.com.

One of the major themes which resonated at this year’s Closing the Gap Conference was that of inclusion. The general public has their ideas of inclusion and that has either helped or limited what we have been able to do in our schools.  When we look at what we are doing for inclusion, we can see that our focus is around classrooms which support our neuro-typical students, our neuro-diverse students, and our students who may bring other language experiences to the table. So how can we continue to build strong inclusive environments around those beliefs utilizing the tools and knowledge we already have?

The first step needs to be to define what our goal is and communicate that effectively to the faculty and staff. Part of that communication will include training for the approaches we may be choosing to use as well as the purpose for what we are doing. The unification and training of faculty and staff helps to clearly define the goal and design the action plan to move the building toward the goal. Many of us have experienced the passing on of an idea or a mandate from upper administration to pursue a goal without any explanation or support.  Situations like that lead to a failure to attain the goal and a lack of combined effort to reach that goal. Starting with a clearly defined goal and the supported steps to achieve it will unify the faculty and staff and create consistency within each of the classrooms and other areas of the school.

Next, we need to make sure that everyone is properly trained on accessibility. Even something like a presentation in PowerPoint should have an accessibility check completed so that the presentation, even in a pdf format, can be accessible. Training to make sure that pictures have alternative text is also important here. I know that some teachers may push back and say that they “don’t have students that need the extras.” Yet, if we have completed our first step properly, then this pushback lessens as everyone understands the impact and importance of accessible documents. I happened to hear an amazing point made recently on a radio call-in show. As many of you know, I am Cleveland born and bred and follow their professional teams through thick and thin. A few weeks back, Cleveland lost a long-time sports announcer and reported named Jim Donovan. Jim did many things throughout his career and is best known for being the voice of the Cleveland Browns since they returned to the NFL in 1999. He lost a long battle with cancer the day before a game. The following day, the Browns somehow won their game. On a call in radio show after the game, a woman called in regarding what Jim meant to her. She explained that she loved the Browns and was blind, so she followed them by listening to the radio. She broke down into tears (as did the hosts of the show and at least this listener) when she described how Jim made the games come alive for her and let her see them in her mind. Think of the power of that statement and what it means for inclusion. I know that other great announcers in sports like a Vin Scully have been know to create the same “mental pictures” for radio listeners. We are doing the same thing by creating accessible documents and accessible classrooms. Not all individuals might need the same levels of accessibility, but it is possible for so many to interact.

The third step is to understand that assistive technology is really technology that creates accessibility. There should never be any assistive technology which sits on a shelf! Those of you who have heard me speak on the topic or attended some of my trainings know that AT can be utilized by all teachers and students.  Again, the critical part of this step is to conduct training around these devices and make sure everyone understands the multi-purpose uses for these devices. AAC devices can become great ways to communicate directions, “read” stories independently, and give positive support as a few suggestions. Switches can become inputs for answering questions, playing inclusive games, inspiring movement, and interacting with sensory supports. Within this training, making sure devices like reading pens and other devices which interact with learning in both physical and digital environments are necessary to support students and should never be seen as “cheating.” I have colleagues who have shared that not only parents, but also some teachers do not like the use of assistive technology as it is misunderstood and therefore believed to be giving an unfair advantage. This misunderstood idea could not be further from the truth. Once we have begun to incorporate assistive technology into all classrooms, it becomes transparent to the students who are there and accepted as the norm, just like the transition into classrooms using interactive whiteboards from dry erase boards in the early 2000s.

The next step then is to teach and train on the use of sensory supports. Sensory supports can be used by all individuals. Think of how you or your colleagues might be using a “worry stone” or a “squeeze therapy ball.” By training our faculty and staff as to how to utilize socially and classroom appropriate fidgets and sensory items, we can create a learning environment where the focus can be on learning and anxiety can be decreased. Aside from using fidgets and other sensory items, things like visual timers can also reduce stress and anxiety within classrooms and any setting where time is being monitored. The critical piece is to formally train folks as to why visual timers do this.

After the inclusive environment has been established and is being used daily, the next step is to begin to include all other activities hosted at the building in inclusive manners. The assistive technology we have adapted to classroom needs should be used in parent evenings, school visitation days, board meetings, and extracurricular activities including athletic events. This inclusion helps to supply the parents and constituents coming into the building a real example of what inclusion means, not relying on any misunderstood rumors or beliefs.

Like any good program, this is a team process which requires planning and training. Should you have any questions about a process like this, I am happy to support.  Feel free to reach out to me at rheipp@schoolhealth.com to connect. The bottom line is that this process is for everyone within the building and can then begin to expand into the community when this is done well.

August is Sun Safety Month. As summer sports continue to heat up, so does the risk of sunburn, heat stroke, and dehydration. For your athletes, especially those spending hours training and competing outdoors, understanding sun safety isn't just a health precaution—it's a game-changer. The following are some tips to keep in mind as the heat hits its peak.

• Know the Signs: Some symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, extreme sweating, and a rapid heartbeat. When athletes experience any of these, it’s advised for them to take a break away from the sun to cool off and prioritize rest. Rubbermaid Cool Down Tubs and the Polar Life Pods are both reliable options for instant and effective heat relief.
• Hydration is Key: According to the American Heart Association, every pound of sweat you lose, is equal to a pint of water than needs to be replenished. Encouraging your athletes to drink water before, during, and after exercise (even if they are not thirsty), can make all the difference in preventing dehydration. Our selection of hydration must-haves include Gatorade High School Performance Packages, InFlow Generation 2, and more.
• UV Protection: Keeping your athletic training room stocked with sunscreen at all times is also beneficial. When outdoor athletes regularly apply sunscreen, it allows them to stay active and focused without the discomfort and dangers of sun exposure. Our Coppertone Sport Sunscreen retains SPF after 80 minutes of activity in the water or sweating!
• Timing is Crucial: The hottest outdoor hours are known to be between noon and 3pm. Taking extra precautions for your athletes is extremely important during this time frame. The Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker is your all-in-one solution for measuring heat stress index and humidity, ensuring your athletes are performing in safe environmental conditions.

Throughout Sun Safety Month and beyond, you can count on School Health for everything athlete safety and health. As your one-stop partner for Sports Medicine, we’ve got you covered.

National CPR and AED Awareness Week is a reminder of the power everyone holds when it comes to saving a life. According to the American Heart Association, during a cardiac emergency, for every minute that passes without CPR or a defibrillating shock, the probability of survival drops by about 10%*. This makes it important that bystanders know how to properly administer CPR and have quick access to an AED in times of crises. Through quality training and education, you’ll be able to foster the confidence you need to get one step closer to helping someone survive.

The Five Ways:

• Encourage CPR and AED Certifications – Encouraging others to get CPR and AED certified can help them learn the life-saving skills and techniques necessary to respond to sudden cardiac arrest. Communities can use education and awareness to create a network of prepared responders who know how to act swiftly during cardiac emergencies, ultimately saving more lives.
• Know the Signs and Symptoms – Actions as simple as telling someone to dial 911 or fetch the closest AED can make a difference in survival outcomes. Some AEDs, including ZOLL AEDs, provide written and verbal instructions to help inexperienced individuals perform quality CPR. If you witness somebody experiencing the following, be sure to act: 
  • No pulse or breathing
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Heart palpitations 
  • Loss of consciousness
• Evaluate AED Placement – Take the time to review the location of AEDs in your school or facility. They should be placed in visible areas and within three minutes of every location in your building.  This includes providing one on each floor and storing them 48 inches off the ground for better wheelchair accessibility. When thinking of AED implementation, many locations need to be considered, including:
  • Elevators
  • Outside stairways
  • Cafeterias
  • Fitness centers and gymnasiums
  • Primary entrances and reception desks
  • Main corridors
  • Outdoor areas where students play sports
• Ensure Rescue Readiness – Having emergency equipment readily available is vital for prompt intervention during SCA. Furthermore, having a well-defined emergency response plan can help ensure that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. Staying ready for the unexpected at all times has the ability to increase survival rates and enhance overall public safety. Check out our School Safety Center and comprehensive supply list and use them as references when you're emergency planning and checking supplies off your list.
• Enable Your Community to Take Action – Brainstorming how you can spread awareness about the significance of CPR and AEDs is another way you can take part this week.  Sharing personal stories or testimonials via social media is one approach to this – be sure to use the hashtag #AEDsHelpSaveLives! Using a voice and word-of-mouth will help you shine the spotlight on this topic this week and for weeks to come.

* 2010 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC. 

We want to express our sincere appreciation for the incredible efforts of school nurses. Every day, you play a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of students in our schools. From administering medications and treating injuries to providing emotional support and promoting healthy habits, your dedication knows no bounds.

This past week, we asked you to share your experiences, advice, and best practices to help empower the next generation of school nurses. Your responses gave us even more insight into how essential you are for nurturing students’ health and well-being.

Below are just some of the submissions we received.

What Would You Like to Share with Future School Nurses?

“Each student is unique.  Each student has their own story and their own history.  Even the frequent flyers are searching for something. It may be your touch, tone of your voice, or calmness of your clinic that brings them some comfort and peace. The days get hectic, but you are making a difference in each of these students’ lives.” – Dawn P.

“In school nursing, compassion with consistency is key. Each student that walks into your office has a story beyond the one that brought them to you. Be kind, be empathetic, and listen to them. Follow up on the issues that you see, call home when you have concerns, and use your resources. Sometimes all it takes is one person to take the extra step to make a huge difference in a child's life, and that one person could be you!” – Casey R.

“Get to know the students and staff outside of the health office. Take some time visiting the cafeteria during lunchtime, show up at the student’s after school activities, volunteer to be on committees. We are all so busy every day, but every so often, leave the office (even five minutes  every other week), to walk around and be present in the school. Getting to know the community you work in gives a whole new perspective to the students you care for.” – Katie P.

“School nursing is a specialty with many unique challenges and rewards. Realize that you will not know everything on day one, day 50, or day 2,000. Trust your training and experience. Connect with other school nurses, mentor when you can, and ask for help when you need it. You got this!” – Rebekkah D.

“When you are feeling overwhelmed between paperwork, screenings, and students coming into the office, take time to reground yourself. Remind yourself daily why you are here and who you are here to help.” -Alison S.

“Be patient, calm, and listen.  Sometimes we feel hurried to get through a checklist of "must-dos" and may miss an opportunity to impact a student's life or academic success.” – Colleen H.

National Athletic Training Month 2024: ATs are…Essential!

As another memorable year of NATM wraps up, we want to extend our gratitude to all athletic trainers for their unwavering dedication to athletes everywhere. You are an essential piece of championship teams, the backbones of successful athletic careers, and the guiding light in challenging recoveries. Without you, athletes would lack the crucial support for success on game day.

Throughout March, we asked you to tell us why you love being an athletic trainer and what it means to you! Your responses provided a glimpse into the impact your athletes, profession, and community hold in your hearts.

Below are just some of the inspiring answers we received.

Why Do You Love Being an Athletic Trainer?

“The best part of being an AT are the connections you make with your athletes, coaches, and the community. The longer you are part of a community, the more valuable you are, and I wouldn’t want to leave my high school community for anything!” -Heidi B.

“The secondary school setting is something special! The kids sometimes call me "mom" because they know I'm available for them for whatever they need! If they get hurt, need a band aid, need some advice, or need to vent, I'm there for them! I love watching them return to play the games they love so much. They make my job so enjoyable!” -Amanda H.

“I absolutely love being an AT! Helping others return to the sport or the activities they love is very fulfilling. It's sometimes a journey to get there, but I love being able to support those along the way.” -Liz E.

“I love being an athletic trainer because you get a chance to teach the athletes what it takes to bring the best out of themselves. I love encouraging them, especially after they've gotten injured. I have always been able to make them better than they were even before their injury. I just love my job.” -Gary C.

“I love being an AT because it allows me to build relationships and be in an athlete’s corner when they may feel like they have no one. Being an advocate for student athlete mental health is one of the most rewarding and crucial things about my job.” -Alec P.

“I love being able to be there for every aspect of my athlete’s needs- the mental, physical, and emotional needs that the athlete has in every stage of his/her/their career is so important to me! I love being on the sidelines and seeing my athletes through every stage of their career, as well as their wins, losses, injuries, and comebacks. I love what I do and have been doing it for the past 23 years!” -Mary H.

“My favorite part is being a preceptor. Being able to show my passion for this profession to aspiring ATs, so they go out and make a difference in hundreds or thousands of athletes' lives, is something that I couldn't go without. Even if we don’t get a 7-figure salary, our profession has so much to offer, and it puts a smile on my face to see each new generation coming through.” -Steve B.

At School Health, we know an athletic trainer faces new challenges and lessons daily. Thank you for always being there for your athletes and working tirelessly to ensure they’re prepared for every game and practice, all while inspiring them along the way.

As you gear up for the end of another school year, it's the perfect time to start thinking ahead and planning for the next one! Whatever your role is, we have a few tips to help you plan better and make the transition smoother.

What can you do to prepare for the new school year?

• Supply Lists – Our premade supply lists take the hassle out of supply ordering for the upcoming year. From essentials to exciting new products, planning for next year just got a whole lot easier.
• ESSER III Funding – Be sure to check if there is any ESSER funding left in your district that you can use. Download our interactive supply list to see what you can purchase! If you’re looking to dig deeper into ESSER, watch our Federal Funding Explained series, where our funding expert, Dr. Ray, discusses the significance of utilizing these funds and specifics on how to do so.
• Expert Assistance – Our experts know their stuff inside and out! With years of specialized knowledge in their fields, they each can provide guidance navigating complex compliance situations, product selection, program implementation, and equipment training. You will always be in good hands when you choose School Health. Our specialists can help in the following areas: vision and hearing, emergency preparedness, PE curriculum and professional development, special education, and sports medicine. Get a free consultation!
• School Safety Center – Visit our School Safety Center for tips on creating an emergency operations plan that works best for your school or district. Make sure you have a plan to ensure  your emergency must-haves are in working order and ready to use. Some of these include AEDs, trauma kits, drug deactivation systems and evacuation equipment.  Summer school, camps, and athletic practices will soon be taking place so it’s crucial to stay emergency-ready! Ask us about our SH Connect  compliance Management System to make this process a breeze!
• Essentials Restock - Get ready for the upcoming school year by taking inventory, organizing, cleaning, and sanitizing your workspaces, including disposing of any expired supplies or medications. Think about the infection prevention, cleaning, and general health essentials you use on a daily basis such as gloves, tissues, menstrual products, soaps, and disinfectants – and make sure you have enough of them!

Although the start of a new academic year can be overwhelming, our resources will help you stay prepared and ready to tackle whatever may come your way. We are always here to help, so that you can walk through the door on the first day of school with a little less worry, and a lot more confidence!

Looking for More?

Don’t forget to take a browse through our online catalogs where you can find all the supplies you need with a single click! Also, connect with us on social media to get more tips, participate in contests, and stay up to speed in everything health. Plus, subscribe to our emails to hear about new product offerings and get $5 off your first order! 

Did you know that workplace burnout has been on the rise ever since the pandemic first hit in 2020? According to The American Institute of Stress, 80% of workers feel stressed from their job, and nearly half of them need help coping with this stress. The education sector is notorious for its high-stress environment, with school staff frequently dealing with long working hours, heavy workloads, increasing administrative tasks, and pressure to focus on the individual needs of each student. Acknowledging burnout is essential to maintain the wellbeing of school employees and empower staff to create a healthy work-life balance. Now is the perfect time to start recognizing your stress triggers and indulging in the things you find most enjoyable.

Main Causes of Burnout in School Workers

In order to tackle burnout head on, we first need to start with knowing what it is and the effects that it has on the individual, both professionally and personally. There are many common causes of burnout in school workers. These include:

• Excessive workload – Individuals who work in schools are frequently stretched thin and feel pressured to work long hours just to keep up. Large school and class sizes, increasing administrative responsibilities, and limited support staff are just a few of the challenges that lead to an unmanageable workload. 
• Lack of resources – School employees may believe they are not being provided with the funding, materials, and equipment that is necessary for them to succeed in their role, contributing to feelings of frustration.
• Administrative pressures – School nurses, teachers, and other educational workers may struggle to keep up with the demands of parents, administrators, and the community. 

Although your work environment may seem difficult and unbearable, there is one blissful thing that you should always strive to squeeze into your schedule: self-care. Like burnout, self-care also comes in many different forms and looks different for each individual. This is the time where you can focus on the most important thing: yourself!

Self-Care Tips (No… It’s Not Selfish!)

Taking intentional steps to nurture your own health and happiness is the first step to eliminating any overwhelming or negative feelings. Find what works best for you and prioritize it as frequently as you can. Psychiatrist, Amanda Itzkoff, explains the three types of self-care that are key to ongoing self-efficacy:

1. Physical

• Take a nap to recharge your body and mind
• Connect with nature and embrace the fresh air
• Engage in physical activity such as jogging, walking, or even dancing
• Do something crafty or DIY
• Go for a drive without a destination

2. Mental

• Journal or write down five things you love about yourself
• Practice mindfulness with meditation or yoga to stay present in the moment
• Take breaks when needed
• Set boundaries when necessary to protect your time and energy
• Read books to keep your mind occupied 

3.  Social

• Spend time with your loved ones, including pets
• Join a club or social group for extra support
• Volunteer with others that have shared interests 
• Express gratitude by performing small acts of kindness
• Unplug from your devices and engage in person 

Recognizing and addressing the stress and burnout epidemic within schools is crucial for building a positive and healthy learning environment. Be sure to take care of yourself as much as you take care of others. Being in tune with your mind and body is the first step to combatting burnout, which is why self-care is so utterly important. Once you assess your own needs and find techniques that work for YOU, workplace challenges will be a little less dreadful and your life will be a little more fulfilling.

To kick-start your self-care routine, check out this video. 

Resources

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/signs-of-burnout/

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health

https://www.stress.org/workplace-stress

https://aihc-assn.org/burnout-a-threat-to-our-health-care-system/

https://psychiatristsnyc.com/blog/3-essential-types-of-self-care-for-everyday-life/\

Our team at School Health is inspired by school nurses like you every day! Thank you for your passion for school nursing and for keeping students healthy and safe.

We love celebrating school nurses like you on National Nurses Week and School Nurse Day. We know that the demands and responsibilities of nurses have drastically changed, but we are continually inspired by your resilience, perseverance, and dedication to your students.

For National Nurses Week, we asked you to share moments that make you love what you do. Below are just some of the answers we received!

I would have to say that working with the kids day in and day out keeps me passionate about my job.  I find it very rewarding and fulfilling. Hearing about their day, sharing their joys, and helping them through their hard times is satisfying. Each day is different, which I love! Sometimes the kids just come to say hello and other times it is because they are sick or injured. You never know what is going to happen.  One time I had a student who needed a winter coat. When I gave it to her, she hugged me and thanked me. I wanted to cry because our storage area became a blessing to someone who really needed it. It was at that moment that I realized that school nursing was a huge opportunity to minister not only to the kids, but also to the community. It was more about taking care of their health. School nursing takes care of the whole child. I am thankful for that lesson. – Tonya B.

I have been at the same school for 18 years. It's so cute when they bring me random gifts or just come to get a hug. Many of my current students are the children of my former students. It is such a joy to see them growing up and going out into the world. – Kelly M.

I have spent my school nursing career at the same elementary school for the past 30 years. I am now taking care of the children of my former students. It is great fun to share stories of students’ parents with these students. I love mentoring my former students when they choose nursing and medicine as a career by providing shadowing experiences in my clinic. My most rewarding days as a school nurse are the ones when I facilitate a newly diagnosed T1D kiddo getting back to school. These students and their families depend on the school nurse, and it is a pleasure to provide this support. – Jeanne A. 

I have been a school nurse for six years. They have been some of the hardest and most rewarding years that I have worked in the nursing profession. I work primarily at a middle school, which I believe is the most challenging time in kids’ lives. Every day we struggle with kids trying to find themselves and fit in to whichever area of life they are drawn to. Kids want to be accepted, want to be loved, and want to be part of something. This process is exhausting, especially for kids that come with more emotional, social, and physical baggage. Every morning, I try to remember that kids are the way they are because someone made them this way, and that we as nurses, teachers, educators, need to be patient, caring, and kind. I try to build trusting relationships with my students and communicate openly and honestly with them. It is so important to empower this age group to advocate for themselves and help them understand how important it is for them to be a part of their solution and problem solving. They need tools to get through life, and if I can add to their toolbox, I want to do this. I love my job and am thankful every day that I get to work with students and, hopefully, help them be successful in their lives. – Jennifer M.

What keeps me passionate about school nursing? I Love my role in EDUCATING THE STUDENTS!! – Stacy C. 

I have been a school nurse for seven years, and I couldn't ask for a better job. I love the kids. I work in a smaller district from grades K-12, so I am the only nurse. You never know what each day will bring. Some days are a challenge being the only nurse. No one to collaborate with, but the environment in a school is great. Everyone that works in a school setting has a passion for the kids. – Molly T.

At School Health, we understand the role that school nurses play in their schools and communities. Our team is here to support you, so that you can provide the best care for your students and help them succeed in school and beyond. Thanks for everything you do!