Jeanette Slimmer MSN, MEd, BS, RN, CSN of the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) defines school nursing as a specialized practice that “protects and promotes student health, facilitates optimal [student] development, and advances academic success. School nurses, grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice, are the leaders who bridge healthcare 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” (NASN, 2017). The inspiration for the 2020 PASNAP conference logo came from this very definition. School nurses are very much like a tree; strong, rooted, and grounded in values and practice. We use knowledge through education and experiences to make us grow. Our growth and practice leads to improved student outcomes, healthier populations, and allowing individuals and communities to flourish. We hope this year’s conference helps to better your nurse’s practice and encourages them to “grow through knowledge”.  

School nurses should be supported and encouraged to attend the conference in order to expand their knowledge base and skill set. The full conference brochure can be found at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Aol_z1nMsP-rNg_494_P6e3MA5psbI-olaO6B2qDsR0/edit