1. SCHOOL NURSING IN MASSACHUSETTS: Recruitment and Retention Anne H. Sheetz Director of School Health Services Massachusetts Department of Public Health

2. RECRUITMENT (1) Approximately 200 per year Licensure requirements – BSN/MSN – MTEL Communications and Literacy Test – 2 years relevant experience – School nurse orientation

3. Recruitment (2) Most come from hospitals – Emergency rooms – Psychiatry – ICUs – Clinics Many recruited by other school nurses Many work as substitutes (per diem) Definitely did not know the challenges of school health!!!! Love the autonomy Hours conducive to families

4. Retention (1) Professional School Nursing in Massachusetts: Level 1: Basics plus networking School Nurse Leaders Professional Status through the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

5. Retention (2) Supports – Nurse Leaders – DPH-each phone call is an opportunity! – Peers – Regional Consultation Schools Educational opportunities: Northeastern University School Health Institute: Onsite and online programming https://www.neushi.org/

6. Retention (3) Promotion of networking – Summer Institute – Regional meetings Weekly e-mail with updates: conferences, sharing best practices, opportunities to ask questions of peers in other schools Marketing of school nurses in MA – School nurse recognition day – Local newspapers/cable, etc.

7. Retention (4) Opportunities for professional development – Massachusetts School Nurse Research Network – Specific programs: diabetes, SBIRT, MCPAP, etc. – Performance improvement – Three credit course at Northeastern – Membership on statewide committees – Testimony at hearings

8. Other Resources DPH School Health Website: http://www.state.ma.us/dph/fch/schoolhealthindex/ht m/ http://www.state.ma.us/dph/fch/schoolhealthindex/ht m/ School Health Manual: http://www.maclearinghouse.com/SchoolHealthManu alSite/schoolhealthmanual.htm http://www.maclearinghouse.com/SchoolHealthManu alSite/schoolhealthmanual.htm Allergy Guidelines: www.doe.mass.edu/cnp/allergy.pdf www.doe.mass.edu/cnp/allergy.pdf Northeastern University School Health Institute: https://www.neushi.org/