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School Nurse Update

School nurse educational update 2024

Thank you for all you do as school nurses and health services professionals. The Mary Bridge Children’s physicians, providers, nurses and staff value and appreciate the partnerships we have with you to provide the best coordinated care for students in your community.

Certificate of Attendance

Thank you for joining us for our 2024 school nurse educational update.

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Presented by the Bessler Center

The Bessler Center at Mary Bridge Children's logoThe Bessler Center at Mary Bridge Children’s was founded in 2023 to advance health access and outcomes that achieve its vision that children in our community will be the healthiest in the nation.

Learn more about the Bessler Center

2024 resources & presentations

Elimination Difficulties for Students with Developmental Differences

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Presented by:

Kim Johnson, MD
Melissa Beard, OTRL

Learning Objectives
  • Understand the challenges and differences involved in toilet training individuals who have developmental differences
  • Recognize medical issues related to toileting and how this could present at school
  • Understand steps that school teams can use to help guide a successful toileting program
  • Understand potential referrals/resources for children and their families having difficulty with this skill

Unintentional Injury in Children - Data and Prevention Strategies

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Presented by:

Erin Summa, MPH, CPST

Learning Objectives
  • The leading mechanisms for serious/fatal injury in school children
  • Prevention strategies to protect against serious/fatal injuries in children
  • Additional resources to support childhood injury prevention

Pediatric Health Assessment

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Presented by:

Hunter Barrett, RN, MSN, CPEN

Learning Objectives
  • Attendees will be able to utilize the pediatric assessment triangle to identify critical illness in children
  • Recognize clinical findings concerning for abuse or neglect
  • Recognize and assess common childhood medical concerns
  • Identify a medical emergency and initiate appropriate response measures

Behavioral Health Supports & School Mental Health Crises

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Presented by:

Vanessa Adams, MSW, LICSW
Gina Cabbidu, MSW, LICSW

Learning Objectives
  • Increase knowledge of Kids Mental Health Washington model components
  • Identify the multi-systemic influences of serving youth and families
  • Create action plan of how to connect to Kids Mental Health Washington.

Supporting the Basic Needs of Families

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Presented by:

Penni Belcher, 211 Director
Sarah Kirschenbaum, FRC

Learning Objectives
  • Explain the functions, and benefits of the 211 service, including how it connects individuals to community resources and support services.
  • Describe the steps involved in the Family Resource Navigator referral process, including how referrals are initiated and managed.
  • Demonstrate how to complete and submit the Provider Referral Form to access Family Resource Navigators, including identifying key information required for the referral.

MultiCare Academy for Students Interested in Health Careers (MASH Camp)

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Presented by:

Nancy Thompkins, RN

The Critical Importance of Stop the Bleed Education

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Presented by:

Ralph Mitchell

Learning Objectives
  • Demonstrate the ability to correctly identify different types of life-threatening bleeding in various scenarios.
  • Apply direct pressure, use a tourniquet, and pack a wound effectively, as demonstrated through hands-on practice sessions.
  • Explain the importance of time-sensitive actions in bleeding emergencies and describe the steps to ensure personal safety while providing aid.

Care of the Caregiver: Nurse Resilience & Well-Being

Download the presentation Download the Clinical Resilience Toolkit

Presented by:

Julie Rose, RN, NPD Program Manager

Learning Objectives
  • Recognize signs and symptoms of Compassion Fatigue
  • Identify 8 Pillars for Resilience and Well-being to protect from burnout
  • Plan to nurture physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs to foster a healthy relationship with self and others

Pediatric Wellness Resources - Nutrition

Mary Bridge Children’s Pediatric Wellness program is committed to helping caregivers feed well so that children may eat well to grow and develop into the body that is right for them. Our program for ages 9 months – 18 years, provides access to Registered Dietitians who have expertise in helping families develop a positive relationship with food and raising competent eaters. The program’s holistic approach can support lasting improvements for your child’s wellbeing and quality of life.

We encourage school nurses to refer any and all caregivers who may have questions on how to feed their children or feel like they have picky eaters to our free monthly virtual nutrition classes. Please, as appropriate post the 5 Keys to Feeding Well on your parent bulletin boards and in the nurses offices. We also have the 5 Keys handout available in Spanish, English, Vietnamese and Russian and have printable poster sized versions in Spanish and English. Reach out to us at [email protected] if we can help support you or share other resources.

2023 Presentations

Thank you for joining us last year and for your continued commitment to updating your training and knowledge to best serve the students in your community.

Pediatric Assessment

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Presented by:

Hunter Barrett, RN, MSN, CPEN

Sports Injuries and Orthopedics

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Learning objectives
  • Understand the most common injuries that occur from playground equipment and sports
  • Learn the various initial assessment strategies for injuries
  • Learn common precautions for when students return to school
About the presenter

Rebecca Whitesell, MD, MPH, FAAOS is a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon and the current Chief of Staff at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma, WA. Dr. Whitesell serves on various committees within the hospital. She is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in all aspects of pediatric orthopedic surgery but particularly enjoys caring for patients with scoliosis, limb differences, sports and traumatic injuries. Dr. Whitesell also volunteers on a yearly trip to El Salvador, serving children with orthopedic needs.

Dr. Whitesell received her Masters in Public Health at the University of North Texas, her Medical Degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio and completed Orthopedic Residency at the University of Alabama Birmingham. She completed her Fellowship in Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in 2014 and has been at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital since completion of her fellowship.

She lives in Tacoma with her family and rambunctious chocolate lab. She spends her non-work time outdoors gardening, kayaking and camping.

The State of Youth Health; CHNA findings, implications and call to action

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Learning objectives
  • Understanding the CHNA Process and Requirements: By the end of this presentation, school nurses will be able to describe the systematic process of conducting a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), including its purpose, key components, and legal requirements such as the need to maintain 501(c)3 status. They will also comprehend the timeline for conducting a CHNA every three years, the importance of community input, and the necessity of involving authorized bodies for adoption.
  • Analyzing Data Sources and Merging Qualitative and Quantitative Data: Following this presentation, school nurses will be able to differentiate between qualitative and quantitative data sources used in a CHNA, understanding that qualitative data involves focus groups, key informant interviews, and surveys, while quantitative data includes health indicator metrics. They will grasp the significance of merging both types of data to gain a comprehensive understanding of community health needs. Nurses will also identify how these data sources contribute to identifying priorities such as Behavioral Health, Access to Care, Maternal and Child Health, and Violence.
  • Implementing CHNA Findings and Supporting Health Improvement Strategies: At the conclusion of this presentation, school nurses will be equipped to outline key steps in implementing Community Health Needs Assessment findings. They will recognize the importance of developing and executing actionable strategies to address identified health concerns. Nurses will be able to articulate their role in supporting the implementation of strategies related to the priorities highlighted in the Mary Bridge Children’s CHNA, including Behavioral Health, Access to Care, Maternal and Child Health, and Violence. This will include understanding the barriers faced by the population they serve and ways they can contribute to overcoming these barriers to improve community health outcomes.
  • Bonus Objective (Related to 2022 Implementation Strategies): By the end of the presentation, school nurses will be familiar with the implementation strategies derived from the 2022 Mary Bridge Community Health Needs Assessment. They will understand their potential role in supporting these strategies and promoting their success in the community. This objective aims to provide school nurses with actionable steps they can take to contribute to the ongoing efforts of improving community health based on the CHNA findings.
About the presenter

Chris Ladish, PhD is the Assistant Vice President of the Center for Community Child Health at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Health Care Network, Tacoma, WA. Dr. Ladish is a licensed clinical psychologist and pediatric neuropsychologist. She serves on the steering committees for the Pierce County Behavioral Health Advisory Board, Kids’ Mental Health Pierce County, and Global COR, a worldwide collaborative bringing interdisciplinary case consultation to pediatric providers throughout the world. Dr. Ladish’s areas of expertise include brain injury, autism, neurodevelopmental disorders, and gender affirming healthcare.  She is passionate about improving health equity and access for all children in need of health care and enjoys working collaboratively to bring care to children living in challenging circumstances.

Dr. Ladish obtained her doctorate from Washington State University and completed internships and fellowships at the University of Washington and Stanford schools of medicine. She is currently pursuing her MPH at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University. She resides at home with her family in Renton, Washington.

Concussion and Post Concussion Syndrome Management

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Learning objectives
  • Review pathophysiology and diagnosis of concussion
  • Examine key aspects of concussion management
  • Explain barriers that can inhibit improvement and return to school / play
  • Appraise resources available to the medical provider and patient
About the presenters

Dr. Brian Hill works as a non-operative Sports Medicine physician with MultiCare Orthopedics and Sports Medicine careline in Tacoma and Auburn, WA. He studied mechanical engineering at Clemson University and also played wide receiver on the football).  Following college, he worked as a tutor and high school soccer coach, and later graduated from medical school at Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. Dr. Hill completed his Family Medicine Residency at University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT and completed his Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship at University of Colorado in Denver, CO. In addition to his role with MultiCare, he is also a Team Physician for Pacific Lutheran University. Dr. Hill lives in Tacoma with wife, Sarah, and two cats, Izzie and Fred. When not in clinic, he enjoys hiking, backpacking, camping, biking, sports, traveling, and craft beer.

Jason Hand has been a certified and licensed Athletic Trainer for 18 years and has been employed by MultiCare Orthopedics and Sports Medicine for the past two years.  Prior to joining MultiCare, he was an Athletic Trainer at the University of Puget Sound for nine years where he helped manage the health and wellness of approximately 500 collegiate student-athletes every year.

Mr. Hand received his Bachelors Degree in Health Sciences from James Madison University and his Masters Degree in Human Physiology from the University of Oregon.  He has also worked as an Athletic Trainer at American University, the United States Military Academy at West Point, and helped at numerous sport camps over the years.  In addition to his clinical work, he volunteers as part of the Continuing Education Committee for the Washington State Athletic Trainers’ Association and has been a member of various sports medicine task forces.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends, family, cat Bubba, and exploring all the good things of the PNW.

Supporting Youth Mental Health – Kids Mental Health Washington

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Learning objectives
  • Participants will gain understanding of the behavioral health care continuum
  • Participants will be able to access behavioral health resources and navigators in Pierce County.
  • Participants will understand the components of the Youth Regional Behavioral Health Navigator program.
About the presenters

Gina Cabiddu, MSW, is a Program Coordinator with Kids Mental Health Pierce County. In her role, Gina provides technical assistance and training to establish a Youth Regional Behavioral Health Navigation program across Washington state. Her previous experience includes working in public child welfare in Kitsap and Thurston Counties, non-profit regional leadership in Pierce County, and board and coalition work spanning housing, business, behavioral health, violence prevention, and county policy. Her passion is collaboration with multi-system partners to support families at all levels of the care continuum.

Vanessa Adams, LICSW, is a Program Coordinator with Kids Mental Health Pierce County..Vanessa’s current role includes the support and coordination of Kids’ Mental Health Pierce County. Prior to her current role, she worked as Complex Behavioral Health Social Worker serving youth detained under involuntary treatment act, youth with multisystemic involvement and youth with challenging dispositions in navigating connection to appropriate support and services. Vanessa also worked for several years as crisis social worker at Mary Bridge Emergency Department and spent time working as a residential counselor and crisis case manager in crisis residential centers. Vanessa’s passion is supporting youth in their mental wellness.

Asthma Management

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Learning objectives
  • Identify four key elements to achieve optimal asthma control.
  • Identify ways to control asthma triggers in the school setting.
  • Describe updated asthma guidelines for SMART therapy.
About the presenter

Tricia Strickland is a Registered Nurse and Systems Pediatric Nurse Specialist for Multicare Health Systems in Tacoma, WA. She has been a pediatric nurse for over 25 years, predominately in the acute care setting. Tricia has a special interest in asthma and has served as an asthma educator in both acute care and ambulatory asthma and allergy specialty care. She enjoys time gardening, rockhounding and visiting our national parks.

Tricia obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Acute Care Pediatrics in 2021 from the University of Washington. She specializes in Evidence Based Practice in her role as a Pediatric Nurse Specialist. Tricia currently resides at home with her two dogs in Auburn Washington.

School-based Seizure Management

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Learning objectives
  • Discuss differences between seizures and epilepsy
  • Discuss seizure prevention, precautions and first aid
  • Considerations for school nurses in handling students with epilepsy
About the presenter

Riley Bjorkman is the Registered Nurse Care Manager at the Mary Bridge Neurology Clinic in Tacoma, WA.  Riley’s areas of expertise include pediatric seizures, epilepsy, seizure first aid training and education. She is passionate about children and helping families with long term medically complex children. Riley obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Family Studies at the University of Washington and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Pacific Lutheran University. Riley is a registered nurse with the state of Washington. She currently resides at home with her husband and young son in Tacoma, Washington.

Diabetes Management

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Learning objectives
  • Calculate insulin dose using ICR, ISF, and Target BG
  • What to do when students are experiencing low & high blood sugars
  • Understand how CGM’s and Pumps work together
About the presenter

Melissa Stoliker, RN, BSN, CDCES is a Registered Nurse and Diabetes Educator at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital / Health Center in Tacoma, Washington.  Her areas of expertise include providing diabetes education to families with newly diagnosed children with Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes. She loves spending time with her family and taking vacations along the coast. Melissa obtained her Associates in Nursing in 2012 from Lower Columbia College in Longview, WA and her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Grand Canyon University in Arizona.  Melissa is a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist with the state of Washington.  She currently resides at home with her family in Olympia, Washington.

Emily Lyro has been a diabetes educator for 10+ years. She runs the insulin pump and technology program at the Mary bridge diabetes and endocrine clinic. She is a CDCES as well as a BC-ADM (board certified advanced diabetes manager) she uses these skills to help families navigate the lates technology available to manage their diabetes. She is also a grandma and loves to be with her grandson any free minute she has.

Pediatric Wellness Program

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Learning objectives
  • Be able to define weight stigma and give examples of appropriate language to use for larger bodied youth.
  • Learn techniques on how to appropriately weigh children of all body sizes.
  • Learn how to be more weight inclusive within school nursing clinics and the overall school environment.
About the presenter

Erica Lewis, MS, RD, CD is a Health Promotion Program Manager at Mary Bridge for MultiCare’s Center for Health Equity and Wellness department in Tacoma, WA. She has been working as a Registered Dietitian for over 7 years. Erica currently manages the Mary Bridge Pediatric Wellness Program which focuses on strengthening families to support an environment that promotes healthy growth and development as children build their food competency skills.

Erica received her Master of Nutrition degree from Mount Mary University and currently resides in Pierce County with her dog Polenta. Together they love going on daily adventure walks around the neighborhood. Some of her other passions are experimenting with new muffin recipes, building her seasonal mini produce garden, and indulging in reality TV shows.