Maine Department of Education

INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO: 87
POLICY CODE: AEB

TO: Superintendents, Principals, and School Nurses

FROM: Susan A. Gendron, Commissioner

DATE: March 21, 2007

SUBJECT: Nominations for 2007-2008 School Nurse of the Year

The Maine Department of Education encourages you to consider your school nurse for nomination for the Maine’s School Nurse of the Year 2007-2008. The Maine Association of School Nurses (MASN) conducts this award annually. Marla Blake of MSAD #75 was the recipient of this tribute last year. The School Nurse of the Year not only honors one individual, but it also recognizes the many outstanding school nurses who serve Maine schools. It is a way to celebrate the dedication and professionalism of school nurses.

The School Nurse of the Year should be committed to the health and safety of all students. For nomination, the candidate must:

Have five years of experience as a school nurse and be currently practicing as a full-time school nurse, but a school nurse practicing in a district that employs its school nurse for fewer hours than full-time is eligible;
Be certified as a school nurse through the Department of Education, and be a member of the Maine Association of School Nurses/National Association of School Nurses for the past two years;
Spend more than 50% of professional time in direct care; and
Show evidence of excellence in school nursing practice based on School Nursing Practice Roles and Standards.

The School Nurse of the Year will be expected to participate in any publicity event planned to celebrate this honor. As peers will view the chosen candidate as a model school nurse, the successful candidate may receive requests for consultation and advice. Also, the chosen application will be submitted as Maine’s candidate for National School Nurse of the Year through the National School Nurse Association. All nominees and the award recipient will be honored at the MASN Fall Conference and again at the Blaine House Tea on School Nurse Day in May. The Maine Association of School Nurses will provide the nurse who is selected an award of $500 to be used for educational purposes (either at school or for the school nurse’s educational needs).

Nomination packets may be obtained by contacting Stephanie Pruzansky, School Nurse of the Year Coordinator, either by email spruzansky@richmond.k12.me.us or by phone, 737-4748. Nominations must be received by June 1, 2007.

SAG/ND