Illinois Association of School Nurses

IASN Foundation Inaugural Winter Soirée Fundraiser
2024-03-08 18:30 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | Mattone Restaurant, 9 East 31st Street, La Grange Park, 60526
The IASN Foundation invites you to our Inaugural Winter Soirée Fundraiser at Mattone Restaurant in La Grange Park on March 8th at 6:30pm. Join us for a fun evening and to meet your new Board members. Feel free to share this invite with any supporters of IASN.
Please purchase your entry ticket by March 1st for a final head count.
Venue Address –
Mattone Restaurant
9 East 31st Street
La Grange Park, IL
CASH BAR ONLY
We hope to see you there!
Online ticket sales have closed. You may still purchase your ticket at the event. Doors open at 6:30pm.

School Nurse Hill Day 2024
2024-04-10 12:00 - 15:30 | Illinois State Capitol, 401 S. 2nd Street, Springfield, IL, 62701, United States
The IASN School Nurse Hill Day is an opportunity for school nurses to gather together to advocate for policy that betters school nursing and the nursing profession as a whole. This event allows school nurses to hear more about nursing issues and identify opportunities to influence healthcare policy.
There is no cost associated with attending School Nurse Hill Day.
Schedule of events –
12:00pm – Meet at the Capitol in Springfield
12:30pm – Tour the Capitol
1:30/2pm – Sit in on hearings
5:30 PM – Legislative Reception Dinner – includes registration fee
A Legislative Reception Dinner will be held later in the evening at Saputo’s in Springfield. The cost to attend is $35.
Saputo’s Address:
801 E Monroe St.
Springfield, IL 62701
Hotel Options Near the Capitol –
State House Inn
President Abraham Lincoln Inn
Candelwood Suites Springfield
Wyndham Hotel
Carpenter Street Hotel
EVENT REGISTRATION —

IASN Virtual Town Hall Meeting - Suicide Screening, Assessment and Safety Planning
2024-04-18 18:30 - 20:00 | TX
Please join IASN for a Virtual Town Hall on April 18th at 6:30pm Central Time.
Suicide Screening, Assessment and Safety Planning
Speaker: Dr. Gabrielle Roberts, Ph.D.

1.0 CE Available upon completion.
Sponsored by Public Consulting Group.

Annual School Nurses Half Day Conference
2024-05-02 08:00 - 12:00 | TX
Thursday, May 2, 2024, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Conference will be presented via Zoom
Conference outcome: Participants will describe with detail how at least one concept or practice idea presented will be integrated into their practice and setting.
Participants will receive 3.50 contact hours for successful completion of this activity—attendance for the entire conference and completion of a post activity evaluation. Questions about continuing education contact hours should be made to: Mary Girardi MSN RN PEL-CSN at girardi6@comcast.net.
Illinois Nurses Foundation is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by Montana Nurses Association, an accredited approver with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
SCHEDULE:
8 – 8:50 a.m. – Updates in Pediatric Epilepsy
Usha Appalaneni, MD – Pediatric Neurologist – Advocate Medical Group
8:50 – 9:00 a.m. – Break
9:00 – 9:50 a.m. – Mental Health: Aggressive Student Behaviors and How to Manage Them
Artrina Slabich-Pollak, PSY.D. – Licensed Clinical Psychologist/Supervisor – Advocate Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health
9:50 – 10:00 a.m. – Hope, Joy and Resilience–the healing power of Make-A-Wish
Dina Thachet, CCLS – Referral Outreach Manager – Referral Outreach Manager – Make-A-Wish
10:00 – 10:50 a.m. – Head Injuries: New guidelines and protocols for schools
Joshua Raven, DO Pediatric Chief Resident – Board Certified in General Pediatrics – Advocate Children’s Hospital
10:50 – 11:00 a.m. – Break
11:00 – 11:50 a.m. – Food Allergies: New treatments and management
Rachel E. Story M.D., M.P.H. – NorthShore University HealthSystem
11:50 – 12:00 p.m. – Wrap up/evaluations

Chicago Dog's Inaugural Nurse's Night with IASN
2024-05-11 16:30 - 20:00 | Impact Field, 9850 Balmoral Avenue, Rosemont, IL, 60018, United States
Impact Field
9850 Balmoral Avenue
Rosemont, IL 60018
In honor of nurse’s month, IASN is headed to a ball game for Chicago Dog’s Inaugural Nurse’s Night! Come join the fun, and be part of the parade that starts at 4:30pm. Tickets valued at $19.75, which include a food voucher (hot dog, chips, drink), are only $15 through IASN directly. Get them while they last! Everyone is welcome, bring your friends and families and help us make this a great event. Purchase your tickets here to confirm the special pricing and to sit with our group! See you there.
Thank you to our Gold sponsor Amergis Healthcare Staffing

Funds raised will support the IASN Foundation’s mission.
$15 per each ticket – each ticket also includes a FREE limited edition baseball hat!

Spot Vision Screener - Informational Session
2024-05-14 13:00 - 14:00 | TX
The Illinois Administrative Rules now allow the use of automated vision screening devices to conduct vision screening in children:

Under three years of age
Older children who cannot be screened with stereoscopic or distance tests.

The Spot Screener is one of the allowed screening devices and its use will be demonstrated by Maryellen O’Keefe-Smith from School Health Corporation at this session.
We hope you can join us!

NASN Comedy Night
2024-06-27 20:15 - 22:00 | The Second City, 1616 N Wells St, Located in Pipers Alley, Chicago, IL, 60614, United States
The IASN Foundation welcomes you to Chicago! Join us for a NASN Comedy Night on Thursday, June 27th at The Second City for a great time. Your ticket includes roundtrip private transportation on a private coach bus!

Early bird tickets are $40 dollars until May 31st.

The Second City Address:
1616 N Wells St, Located in Pipers Alley
Chicago, IL 60614
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT.

NASN 2024 - Stronger Together
2024-06-28 08:00 - 2024-07-01 17:00 | Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601, United States
The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) welcomes you to attend NASN2024! School nurses and other school health team members from all over the world are coming together for our premiere “Stronger Together” learning event.
NASN is again offering an In-Person conference event in the Windy City and an online Virtual conference event. These events are separate events with different schedules. Here are the registration options offered and a few key points for you to consider.
In-Person NASN2024: June 28 – July 1, 2024: Join us in Chicago for an immersive conference highlighting the power of collaboration with school nurses. Our sessions, carefully curated to embody the spirit of Stronger Together, will be presented or co-presented by experienced school nurses. Diversity, equity, and inclusion will be integral to each discussion, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of relevant topics. Attendee wellness is a top priority, with activities ranging from morning workouts to mindfulness sessions designed to rejuvenate and inspire. Attendees will experience outstanding presentations, expert speakers, and a sprinkle of fun throughout the event.
Virtual NASN2024: July 8 – 10, 2024: Responding to the needs of our diverse community, we are offering a virtual option to accommodate over 1500 attendees. Flexibility is key, allowing participants to learn from anywhere at any time. Live speaker Q&A sessions, Braindate engagement, and industry-sponsored sessions will enhance the virtual experience, ensuring that valuable insights and networking opportunities are accessible to all.
NASN2024 Bundle: In-Person & Virtual: For those seeking the best of both worlds, our bundle option provides access to both In-Person and Virtual NASN2024. Attendees can double their skills, double their networking, and double their experience for a truly enriching professional journey.
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER TODAY!

IASN School Nurses Night Out
2024-06-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Lizzie McNeill’s, 400 North McClurg Court, Chicago, IL, 60611, United States
Illinois School Nurses- please join us for a School Nurse Night Out!
Come and share a meal and get to know your Illinois colleagues while enjoying beautiful views of the Chicago River, just a short walk from the conference site.

The legendary Lizzie McNeill’s, The only Irish bar on the Chicago River
400 NORTH MCCLURG COURT
CHICAGO, IL 60611
$40 per person includes dinner and soft beverages. Cash bar available.

2024 IASN Annual Conference - Sponsorship Opportunities
2024-10-25 - 2024-10-26 | Illinois State University
Sponsorships – 67th Annual IASN Conference
Sponsorship Packages Available
Commitment due by September 20, 2024
This conference is an opportunity for companies and organizations to exhibit services, information or products of interest to School Nurses and public health. We are inviting your organization to partner with us as a sponsor for this event.
Platinum Sponsorship $4,000

Recognition on Conference Materials, NewsBlasts & Conference Registration Page
Option to welcome Keynote Speaker and present at award ceremony
Complimentary Attendance for 4, Ribbon Cutting Photo Op
Front logo on Tote Bag
Saturday Lunch Sponsor Acknowledgement
Complimentary Exhibitor Space
*Full page advertisement in Conference Materials and Website

Gold Sponsorship $3,200

Recognition on Conference Materials, NewsBlasts & Conference Registration Page
Back logo on Tote Bag
Complimentary Attendance for 3
Complimentary Exhibitor Space
*Half page advertisement in Conference Materials

Silver Sponsorship $2,500

Recognition on all Conference Materials
Tote Bag Insert
Complimentary Attendance for 2
Complimentary Exhibitor Space
*Half page advertisement in Conference Materials

Bronze Sponsorship $2,000

Recognition on printed Conference Materials
Exhibitor Space

Advertisement Only for Community Supporters

Community supporters may partner with us via advertisement in our Conference Brochure/Website with a quarter page, half page, or full page space.
Full page $500 (two email blasts to 850+ IASN members)
Half page $350 (one email blast to 850+ IASN members)
Quarter page $200

Sponsor our Scholarship/Grant Fund Only
You have the opportunity to sponsor our IASN Foundation (501c3) scholarship and grant fund, you may do so for any donation you wish to give (minimum $350). Please note that this will not include an exhibit booth at our conference, but will gain you access to our membership through email (1) and we’ll be sure to promote your organization on our IASN Foundation webpage.
Please contact Kristy Dugan at kristy@sysconsultingsolutions.com for any questions.
If paying by check, please download and complete the fillable form and send with payment to the address listed.
Download Fillable Sponsorship Form Here

IASN 67th Annual Conference: Elevate Your Practice
2024-10-25 07:30 - 2024-10-26 15:00 | Mennonite College of Nursing – Illinois State University, Campus Box 5810, Normal, IL, 61790, United States
The Illinois Association of School Nurses welcomes all nurses who work in schools and other related settings to their upcoming 67th Annual Conference. Join school nurses from across Illinois and beyond on October 25-26th at Mennonite College of Nursing – Illinois State University in Normal, IL.
When: Friday Oct. 25th – Saturday Oct. 26, 2024
Location: Mennonite College of Nursing – Illinois State University, Normal, IL
Getting there: Park at the Bone Center lot. There are an abundance of spaces and the cost is $1.00 per hour.
Lodging:
Holiday Inn & Suites Bloomington-Airport
3202 E Empire Street
Bloomington, IL 61704
Select your room (ihg.com) or call 1-800 HOLIDAY with block code IASN.
Cutoff date for this room rate is Sept. 24th. Rates are $199+tax for Double Executive Suite and $159+tax for Standard rooms with two queen beds. 15 rooms are reserved for Thursday 10/24 and Friday 10/25.
Up to 5 CEUs available each day of the conference!
Conference Agenda*
Friday, October 25, 2024
7:30-8:15 am: Enter in the Mennonite College of Nursing Simulation Center for Registration and continental breakfast. (See Map)
8:15-8:30 am: Walk across campus to the State Farm Hall of Business Caterpillar Auditorium
8:30-8:45 am: Welcome
8:45-9:45 am: General Session – NASN Framework
Speaker: Dr. Terri Hinkley, EdD, MBA, BScN, RN, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, National Association of School Nurses
9:45-10:00 am: Break
10:00 – 10:55 am: General Session – Legal Issues: Medication Administration in Schools
Speaker: Dr. Eileen Moss, DNP, RN, PEL-CSN, NCSN
President-elect, Illinois Association of School Nurses
Teaching Assistant Professor, University of Illinois Chicago
11:00-12:00 pm: General Session – Project Adam
Speaker: Dr. Jaclyn Reider, DNP, CPNP-AC, CCDS
Project ADAM Coordinator, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
12:00-1:00 pm: Lunch
Lower level State Farm Auditorium
1:00-2:00 pm: General Session – Advocacy
Speaker – Dr.Analia Elizalde, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PEL-CSN
Legislative Director, Illinois Association of School Nurses
Health Services Coordinator, New Trier Township High School
2:00-2:15 pm: Break
2:15-3:15 pm: General Session – Delegation in the School Setting
Speaker – Amanda Sperry DNP, RN, IL PEL-CSN, NCSN & Mary Noga RN, BSN, CS
3:15-5:00 pm: Networking, Check into hotel
5:00-6:00 pm: Appetizers/Desserts/Coffee/Water
Location: Bone Center Old Main Room
6:00-7:00 pm: Board Meeting
Location: Bone Center Old Main Room
7:00-8:00 pm: Awards
Location: Bone Center Old Main Room
Saturday, October 26, 2024
7:30-8:00 am: Arrive at Mennonite College of Nursing Simulation Center
8:00-8:45 am: Welcome and continental breakfast/Poster sessions/Exhibit Hall Opens
8:45-9:00 am: Welcome and Instructions
9:00-1:00 pm: Simulation activities/Hands on skills sessions in the care of students with complex medical needs/Emergency simulations
1:00-2:00 pm: Lunch
Lower level State Farm Auditorium
2:00-3:00 pm: General Session – Dysautonomia and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
Speaker: Dr. Ernerio T. Alborliras, MD
Pediatric Cardiologist, Congenital Heart Center, OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois
Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL
Location: State Farm Auditorium
3:00 pm: Conclusion
*Session times are subject to change. You will be notified if a change occurs with a session you selected.
DOWNLOAD JUSTIFICATION LETTER HERE

IASN Virtual Town Hall Meeting - RESCUE Illinois Schools
2024-11-14 18:30 - 20:00 | TX
Please join IASN for a Virtual Town Hall on November 14th at 6:30pm Central Time.
Session Objective: Nurses will develop a deeper understanding of the “RESCUE” program and learn how to access “RESCUE” medications for their districts if they have not already done so.
Presented by: Respiratory Health Association

Sponsored by: Neurelis Pharmaceuticals

IASN Virtual Town Hall Meeting - Migraine Presentation
2024-12-05 18:30 - 20:00 | TX
Please join IASN for a Virtual Town Hall Migraine Presentation on December 5th at 6:30pm Central Time.
Presented by: Sarah Arndt

Sarah Arndt is the Outreach Coordinator for Migraine at School and has lived with chronic migraine herself since childhood. With a background in the healthcare non-profit world, Sarah is passionate about helping children with migraine get the support they need to thrive in school and beyond. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in nature, cooking, and hiking with her husband and standard poodle, Mabel.
Sponsored by: Neurelis Pharmaceuticals

Once you have submitted your registration – please be sure to save the Zoom information on the confirmation page.

IASN Virtual Town Hall Meeting - NASN Resources: Where to look for What you Need & Health Education Curriculum Effectiveness and the Role of the School Nurse
2025-02-20 18:30 - 20:00 | TX
Join IASN on February 20th for a Town Hall Presentation on NASN Resources. This town hall will also include a presentation by Nursing students on Health Education Curriculum Effectiveness and the Role of the School Nurse.
Presenter: Dena L. Hinkle DNP, MEd, IL PEL-SN, NCSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, IASN Board of Directors – Director to NASN

ZOOM information for joining the presentation will be displayed on the page after submitting registration. Please be sure to save for your records.

Celebrate Nurses Night with the Chicago Bulls!
2025-02-28 19:00 - 22:00 | United Center, 1901 W. Madison Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, United States
Join us on Friday, February 28th at 7:00PM for an unforgettable evening as the Bulls take on the Raptors, and we honor the incredible contributions of nurses. Families and friends are welcome to join in the celebration!
Event Details:

Game Date: February 28th, 2025
Location: United Center, Chicago
Seating: Section 310—join fellow nurses for a great view and an even better cause!

Ticket Options:

Single Ticket: $65
Single Ticket with Tumbler: $75

Each tumbler is a special keepsake to commemorate this amazing event.

Support a Great Cause:
A portion of every ticket sale will go to the Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN) Foundation to raise funds that support scholarships, grants, and professional development for school nurses. By attending, you’re not only celebrating school nurses, but also making a positive impact on the future of our specialty.
Please note that an email tied to a Ticketmaster account is required for seamless transfer of your game tickets.
Don’t wait—tickets are limited, and they’re selling fast!
Let’s make this a night to remember for all the nurses who make a difference every day.
For any questions, or more information, feel free to contact us directly. We look forward to celebrating with you and raising funds for our deserving members.

Documentary Screening - SHIFT Films - Everybody's Work: Healing What Hurts Us All
2025-03-20 18:30 - 20:30 | TX
Join IASN for an exclusive documentary screening of SHIFT Films, Everybody’s Work – Healing What Hurts Us all on March 20th.
“Everybody’s Work” uncovers the pervasive issue of racism in healthcare, revealing its harmful effects on patients and nurses alike. Through the courageous stories of nurses and patients of color across the country, this documentary challenges the belief that racism only exists if personally experienced. It urges us to confront the reality that it impacts us all.
Nurses, as trusted healthcare leaders, have the power to dismantle racial biases and promote equitable care. By fostering inclusive practices and advocating for change, they can pave the way for a healthier future. But this film also serves as a rallying cry, reminding us that healing from racism in healthcare is a collective responsibility that transcends individual professions and identities. It’s everybody’s work.
1.5 CEUs available upon completion.
Watch the film trailer below.

Registration is required to join the screening.

IASN Town Hall - The Importance of Amplifying School Nurses' Voices in the Legislative Process
2025-04-24 18:00 - 20:00 | TX
Join us for a town hall that focuses on the importance of amplifying school nurses’ voices in the legislative process. We will dive into the impact of current legislation, explore the need for better policies and support, and highlight how we can advocate for stronger resources and recognition for school nurses. So, along the way, we will review the process of legislative bills and how to submit a “witness slip” to make our voices heard loud and clear!
Presented by:

Analía Elizalde DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PEL-CSN
IASN Advocacy & Legislative Coordinator

Coffee with the IASN & Foundation Board
2025-04-26 10:00 - 11:00 | TX
Coffee with the IASN & Foundation Board
Hosted by the Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN) & the Foundation
Saturday, April 26th | 10:00–11:00 AM (CT)
Virtual – Zoom link will be accessible upon registration
Why Attend?
IASN Updates & Impact
Hear first-hand from Board members from both IASN and the Foundation about our current advocacy priorities, programs, scholarship opportunities, and what’s coming up next.
Live Q&A
Bring your questions. We’ll dedicate time to address member and student inquiries from across Illinois.
Stronger Together
Connect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and help strengthen the collective voice of school nursing in our state.
Registration is free. RSVP by April 24th
“Together, Illinois school nurses are shaping a healthier future—one conversation at a time.”
—Illinois Association of School Nurses

School Nurse Hill Day 2025
2025-04-29 11:00 - 16:30 | Illinois State Capitol, 401 S. 2nd Street, Springfield, IL, 62701, United States
The IASN School Nurse Hill Day is an opportunity for school nurses to gather together to advocate for policy that betters school nursing and the nursing profession as a whole. This event allows school nurses to hear more about nursing issues and identify opportunities to influence healthcare policy.
Date & Time: Tuesday April 29th, 11am-4:30pm and Dinner to follow (optional).
There is no cost associated with attending School Nurse Hill Day.
Schedule of events –
11:00 am: Meet on 2nd Street on the east side of the Capitol Building. Please try to eat before you come.
Agenda –
The schedule is in process, but these are the activities planned:

Meet with our Lobbyist Debbie Broadfield
Observation from the Gallery
Tour of the Capitol
Meet with Legislators
Dinner & appetizers with available legislators – more details to come

A $35 fee is required for dinner and appetizers with Legislators.
Hotel Options Near the Capitol –
State House Inn
President Abraham Lincoln Inn
Candelwood Suites Springfield
Wyndham Hotel
Carpenter Street Hotel
EVENT REGISTRATION —

Annual School Nurses Half Day Conference
2025-05-08 08:00 - 12:00 | TX
Thursday, May 8, 2025, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Conference will be presented via Zoom
Conference outcome: Participants will describe with detail how at least one concept or practice idea presented will be integrated into their practice and setting.
Participants will receive 4.0 contact hours for successful completion of this activity—attendance for the entire conference and completion of a post activity evaluation. Questions about continuing education contact hours should be made to: Mary Girardi MSN RN PEL-CSN at mjg4361@gmail.com.
Illinois Nurses Foundation is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by Montana Nurses Association, an accredited approver with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
SCHEDULE:
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. – Overview of POTS – Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
Ira Shetty, MD, Pediatric Cardiology, Electrophysiology and Adult Congenital Cardiology
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. – From the Playground to the Classroom – What Every School Nurse Needs to Know about Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Carolyn Zic, APRN, FNP-BC, Pediatric Rheumatology, Advocate Medical Group and the University of Chicago
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. – Understanding and Supporting the Communication and Behavioral Needs of Autistic Youth and Others with Developmental Differences
Laura Jaramillo, Ph.D. and Lori Osborne, Ph.D., Pediatric Development Center
11:00 – 11:50 a.m. – Pediatric Migraines – How Neurologists and School Nurses Can Be Partners to Improve Outcomes
Margaret Michelson, MD, Pediatric Neurology, Endeavor Health and the Chicagoland Children’s Health Alliance
11:50 – 12:00 p.m. – Reliable Health Information for parents, professionals and children at the Children’s Health Resource Center
Kathy Smart, RN MS, Coordinator

NASN Affiliate Night - Dinner at Cooper's Old Time BBQ
2025-06-28 18:15 - 19:45 | Cooper’s Old Time BBQ, 217 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
An Evening of BBQ, Fun & Karaoke!
Join us for a night of good food and great company on June 28th in Austin Texas!
🍽 Dinner at Cooper’s Old Time BBQ
Location: 217 Congress Ave.
Austin, TexasJust a 2-minute walk from the hotel!
Departure from hotel: 5:45 PM
Dinner service: 6:15 – 7:45 PM
Enjoy a hearty Texas-style meal featuring:
2-Meat Package – Brisket & Chicken, served with sides, iced tea, soda, and water – $47/person
Drink Options:• Beer & Wine (2 drinks) – $14/person• Beer, Wine & Well Liquor (2 drinks) – $18/person
Dessert: Choose from peach, apple, blackberry, or pecan cobbler – $5.50/person
After dinner, keep the fun going with a lively karaoke session! Whether you’re singing your heart out or cheering from the sidelines, this is a night you won’t want to miss.
🎤 Dance Dance Karaoke – Private Party
Location: 8557 Research Blvd., Suite 100Time: 8:30 – 10:30 PMTravel Time: Approx. 18-minute drive by carCapacity: Private room for up to 20 guestsCost: No fee to attend – please RSVP here.

NASN Affiliate Night - Karaoke Night
2025-06-28 20:30 - 22:30 | Dance Dance Karaoke, 8557 Research Blvd. Suite 100, Austin, TX, 78758, United States
After dinner at Cooper’s BBQ in Austin, keep the fun going with a lively karaoke session! Whether you’re singing your heart out or cheering from the sidelines, this is a night you won’t want to miss.
🎤 Dance Dance Karaoke – Private Party
Location: 8557 Research Blvd., Suite 100Time: 8:30 – 10:30 PMTravel Time: Approx. 18-minute drive by carCapacity: Private room for up to 20 guestsCost: No fee to attend – please RSVP below.

Coffee with the IASN & Foundation Board
2025-08-02 10:00 - 11:00 | TX
Coffee with the IASN & Foundation Board
Hosted by the Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN) & the Foundation
Saturday, August 2nd | 10:00–11:00 AM (CT)
Virtual – Zoom link will be accessible upon registration
Join the Illinois Association of School Nurses and the IASN Foundation for a statewide conversation designed to inform, connect, and uplift our school nursing community
What to expect:

Timely updates from both Boards
Live Q and A with board members
Opportunities to connect and contribute to the future of school nursing in Illinois
Safe space to share ideas, etc.

Registration is FREE!
RSVP by July 31
“Together, Illinois school nurses are shaping a healthier future one conversation at a time”—Illinois Association of School Nurses

IASN Coffee & Chat with the Board
2025-09-30 17:00 - 19:00 | Wheeling High School, 900 S Elmhurst Road, Wheeling, IL, 60090 , United States
IASN would like to invite you all to Wheeling High School for a IASN Coffee & Chat with the Board!
WHEN: September 30, 2025 from 5:00PM-7:00PM
WHERE:
Wheeling High School
900 S Elmhurst Road
Wheeling IL 60090
Please enter through the main entrance.

Nurses Night with Chicago Fire
2025-10-04 19:30 - 22:00 | Soldier Field, 1410 S Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, IL, 60605, United States
Nurses Night with Chicago Fire
Saturday, October 4, 2025
7:30PM at Soldier Field
Come join your IASN colleagues for a night off! Chicago Fire FC is excited to extend this exclusive offer to all students and members, family, and friends of Illinois Association of School Nurses!
On Saturday, October 4, the Chicago Fire are celebrating our local health care heroes! You can purchase a ticket through this healthcare ticket pack link that will include our Chicago Fire FC X Healthcare Scarf!
Get Your Tickets
If you have any questions or would like to purchase 10+ tickets, please contact Carter Heisinger at 872-710-0527 or cheisinger@chicagofirefc.com.
Download flyer here.

IASN Book Club
2025-10-19 10:00 - 11:30 | TX
IASN Virtual Book Club – October Edition
Join us for the next session of the IASN Virtual Book Club as we come together to read and reflect on Taking Care: The Story of Nursing and Its Power to Change the World by Sarah DiGregorio.
About the Book:
Nurses have always been vital to human existence. A nurse was likely there when you were born and a nurse might well be there when you die. Familiar in hospitals and doctors’ offices, these dedicated health professionals can also be found in schools, prisons, and people’s homes; at summer camps; on cruise ships, and even at NASA. Yet despite being celebrated during the Covid-19 epidemic, nurses are often undermined and undervalued in ways that reflect misogyny and racism, and that extend to their working conditions—and affect the care available to everyone. But the potential power of nursing to create a healthier, more just world endures.
The story of nursing is complicated. It is woven into war, plague, religion, the economy, and our individual lives in myriad ways. In Taking Care, journalist Sarah DiGregorio chronicles the lives of nurses past and tells the stories of those today—caregivers at the vital intersection of health care and community who are actively changing the world, often invisibly. An absorbing and empathetic work that combines storytelling with nuanced reporting, Taking Care examines how we have always tried to care for each other—the incredible ways we have succeeded and the ways in which we have failed. Fascinating, empowering and significant, it is a call for change and a love letter to the nurses of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
📖 October Book Selection: Taking Care – The Story of Nursing and Its Power to Change the World by Sarah DiGregorio💻 Format: Virtual discussion via Zoom✨ Special Surprise: IASN has something exciting planned exclusively for participants—don’t miss it!
Whether you’ve finished the book cover to cover or just want to join the conversation, we welcome you to be part of this engaging and inspiring discussion.

IASN Virtual Annual Board Meeting
2025-10-23 17:30 - 19:00 | TX
Please join IASN for our Virtual Annual Board Meeting on October 23rd at 5:30PM.
Virtual and Open to All Members
Topics of Discussion:

Call to Order & Approval of Minutes
Financial Report
Director’s Report
Old Business/Follow Up

2025 IASN Fall Virtual Conference - Wisdom Takes Flight – Elevating Your Knowledge to Elevate Your Advocacy
2025-10-24 08:00 - 15:15 | TX
Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN) Virtual Fall Conference
Theme: Wisdom Takes Flight – Elevating Your Knowledge to Elevate Your Advocacy
Date: October 24, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 3:15 PM (CST)
Location: Virtual (Zoom/Event Platform)
5.0 Continuing Education Credits Available
Accreditation Info: Illinois Nurses Foundation is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the Montana Nurses Association, an accredited approver with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Tentative Agenda
8:00 – 9:00 AM: Welcome, Introduction & Opening Remarks
9:00 – 9:50 AM: Session 1 – Elevating Advocacy Through Policy
Presenter: Lovey Reynolds, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, CPN, CNE
10:00 – 10:50 AM: Session 2 – Migraines in School
Presenter: Amy Graham, Executive Director, Migraine at School
11:00 – 11:50 AM: Session 3 – Meningitis Presentation
Presenters: Alicia Stillman, MBA, MPH & Patti Wukovits, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
12:00 – 12:50 PM: Session 4 – Asthma & Allergies in Schools
Presenter: Chris Martinez, MIB, CFRE, President & CEO, The Foundation for Asthma and Allergy Impact and Rescue
12:50 – 1:20 PM: Lunch
1:30 – 2:20 PM: Session 5 – Endometriosis Presentation
Presenter: Carolyn Mayer, MPH, Program Director, ENPOWR, Endometriosis Foundation of America & Amanda Chu, MD
2:20 – 2:50 PM: Session 6 – Crafting Your Elevator Speech
Presenter: Gloria E. Barrera, MSN, RN, PEL-CSN, PLNC
3:00 – 3:15 PM: Sponsor Recognition & Closing Remarks
Sign up today and get your Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN) & National Association of School Nurses (NASN) memberships plus the IASN Virtual Conference ticket for only $146!
The 2025 Virtual Conference is free for IASN Members, and membership will be validated before access details are shared. NASN offers payment plans for dues/memberships, so you can choose quarterly installments instead of a single annual payment. Don’t miss this chance to join, save, and attend!
Thank you to Our Sponsors

IASN Virtual Town Hall Meeting - The Essential Toolkit: POTS, FND, PNES, hEDS
2025-11-20 18:30 - 20:00 | TX
The Essential Toolkit: POTS, FND, PNES, hEDS
The project aims to provide a continuing education resource for school nurses through the creation of an electronic tool kit which can be used by the school nurse as a resource for managing student needs as well as to educate administrators, school staff (including teachers and the 504 team), students, and their families on POTS, FND, PNES, and hEDS. The electronic toolkit will be an easily accessible resource for school nurses to utilize that includes an individualized health care plan template modifiable for each condition, an emergency response guide, a school accommodations guide for 504/IEP plans, a disease process, signs and symptoms, diagnostics, common treatment overview via a quick reference guide, a visual symptoms chart, and parent educational handouts upon learning diagnosis. The Essential Toolkit will be presented to school nurses at a Townhall sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN) on November 20, 2025
The Essential Toolkit—a digital resource created by school nurses, for school nurses!
💻 Care plan templates
🚨 Emergency guides
🧠 Condition overviews (POTS, FND, PNES, hEDS)
📘 504/IEP accommodations
👨‍👩‍👧 Parent education handouts
Designed to make supporting students with complex health needs easier and more consistent across schools.
#SchoolNurseStrong #IASN #POTS #FND #PNES #hEDS #SchoolHealth #NurseAdvocate

Policy Pathways for School Nurses
2026-01-13 18:30 - 2026-04-14 19:45 | TX
Policy Pathways for School Nurses
Embark on a transformative journey in school nurse leadership and policy.
January 2026 – April 2026
Your journey to policy confidence starts here!
The Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN) proudly presents Policy Pathways for School Nurses — a one-of-a-kind learning experience designed to empower school nurses to lead in advocacy and policy at every level.
This innovative program blends engaging instruction with real-world application to remove the mystery (and fear!) often associated with public policy, legislation, and advocacy. Whether you are new to policy work or ready to expand your leadership capacity, this program will elevate your voice, skills, confidence, and impact.
What Participants Will Gain

A clear understanding of the legislative and policymaking process in Illinois
Enhanced advocacy skills to confidently engage with policymakers
The ability to influence change at both the local and state levels
Hands-on experience in real policy environments
Up to TBD contact hours, earned through:

Four interactive virtual learning sessions
One in-person Capitol experience, including meetings with legislators

Take the next step on your Policy Pathway — and join IASN in shaping the future of school health policy in Illinois!
Applicant Requirements
Applicants must be:

A current IASN member or prospective member
Currently working as a school nurse

Program Overview
Policy Pathways for School Nurses
Presented by the Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN)
Empowering school nurses to lead with confidence in advocacy and policy.
Virtual Learning Series
Hosted via Zoom | Tuesdays | 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
Attendance is required for all sessions.
Session One | January 13
Foundations of Policy and the Legislative Process from a Nurse Perspective
Speaker: Jameszetta James-Thompson, EdD, MJ, MSN, RN, ASC-BC, ACM-RN
Session Two | February 10
Inside the Process: How Legislation Takes Shape
Speaker: Dagmara Avelar, State Representative, Illinois 85th District
Session Three | March 10
Power, Perception, and Policy: Navigating the Influences
Speaker: Lovey Reynolds, APRN, FNP-BC, CPN, CNE
Session Four | April 07
The School Nurse Voice: Becoming an Effective Policy Influencer
Speaker: TBD
Session Five: Capitol Experience, Report-Out & Program Completion
IASN School Nurse Hill Day
Illinois State Capitol – Springfield, IL
April 14 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Participants will meet with legislators, engage in advocacy activities, and gain an immersive understanding of how policy is shaped in Illinois.
Speakers:

Lisell Zuñiga, BSN, RN, PEL-CSN
Debbie Broadfield, Capital Edge Consulting

Legislative Dinner
April 14 | 6:00 PM (optional)
Location: TBD
Participants will pay for their own dinner.
Criteria for Successful Completion
To successfully complete the 2026 Policy Pathways for School Nurses Program and earn TBD contact hours, participants must:

Attend all four virtual learning sessions
Attend the in-person Capitol session in Springfield
Participate in the final evaluation and report-out session
