Attending the School Nurse International Conference at Northeastern University School Health Academy in Boston was an incredible privilege. Bringing together school nurses from around the world, this event truly felt like the United Nations of school nursing leaders. With nearly 100 participants representing 17 countries and 15 states, the conference provided a unique and diverse platform for global collaboration and networking.
What struck me the most during this intimate gathering was the power of the universal language of school nursing. Despite our diverse backgrounds and experiences, we all shared a common passion for caring for students’ health and well-being. It was heartwarming to witness how this shared dedication brought us together as a cohesive and united community.
The significance of this conference was heightened by the fact that the previous biennial gathering had been interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, making this in-person conference the first in four long years. The opportunity to meet face-to-face after such a prolonged hiatus was both refreshing and invigorating.
The theme of this year’s conference, “Building Bridges across the Globe: School Nurses Reconnecting,” was aptly chosen. The event provided a platform for school nurses to reconnect with one another, rekindling friendships and forging new connections. The conference not only strengthened the ties among school nurses but also emphasized the importance of global collaboration in addressing the unique challenges faced by students worldwide.
Throughout the week, we engaged in workshops, seminars, and presentations that covered a wide range of topics, from the latest research and evidence-based practices to innovative approaches in school nursing. The knowledge shared and the insights gained were invaluable, enhancing our abilities as school nurses and equipping us to provide better care to our students.
As I reflect on my time at the School Nurse International Conference, I am filled with inspiration and a renewed sense of purpose. The experience has reinforced the importance of our role in promoting the health and well-being of students across the globe. I am grateful for the connections made, the lessons learned, and the opportunity to be a part of this incredible community of school nursing leaders.
I am writing a follow-up blog post with reflections about my presentation: A Public Health Approach to Ending Gun Violence Against Children: Experiences from a US School Nurse’s Office. The response from the participants was fascinating and eye-opening, illustrating that the impact of gun violence in America has global ramifications. More to come…
The next School Nurse International Conference will be in Japan in 2025!
3 thoughts on “The Relentless School Nurse: A Literal United Nation of School Nursing Leaders Joined Together in Boston”