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SCHOOL NURSE Administrator OF THE YEAR AWARD
PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA

The School Nurse/School Nurse Administrator of the Year Committee will oversee activities of these awards.

ELIGIBILITY

1. Nominee must be:

      a.     Registered professional nurse
      b.     Bachelor degree or higher
      c.     Member of NASN for the current and preceding five years.  The preceding 5 years must be continuous (without lapse in membership).

3. Nominee must have completed five years experience in school health, and currently practice full-time and have as their main responsibility the supervision, administration, and coordination of nursing service and health programs.

4. Nominee may not be on the NASN Board of Directors or an officer of NASN at the time of nomination.

5. Evidence of excellence in school nursing administration must be based on ANA Scope and Standards for Nurse Administrators. (see back).

PROCEDURE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION

1. Information must be submitted in an 8 ½” by 11” flat folder.   (No ring binders)
2. Include in the nomination folder:

• NASN Nomination Form signed by NASN Director (Form 6-I-SNAYNOM)
• Affiliate organization letter stating support and rationale for nomination, signed by Affiliate President
• Curriculum vitae signed by nominee
• Narrative describing the nominee’s contributions in each of the categories named in the Criteria for Selection (see back). Narrative should follow the categories and sub-areas exactly in outline form.  Narrative must be signed by nominee
• One photo, which will not be provided to reviewers or judges but kept at NASN office and may be used to recognize (honor) NASN School Nurse Administrator of the Year applicants.  No photos should be used in the application

• Supporting letters of recommendation:
  • maximum of six (6) letters each limited to one page. No reductions permitted
  • letters may be from supervised school nurses, principals, supervisors, teachers, parents, students, or others
  • letters should describe specific issues or topics related to nominee’s qualifications for the award. Use Scope and Standards of Professional School Nursing Practice (copyright 2005, National Association of School Nurses and American Nurses Association) as a reference (see back)
  • letters should reflect on areas of rating that writer wishes to emphasize
  • local and affiliate acronyms must be spelled out when used for the first time

3. The total folder is not to exceed 20 pages (20 one-sided or 10 two-sided).  This does not include the cover or the application page itself.

4. Submit the original and eight (8) copies of the completed nomination folder, to the MASN Awards Chairperson by August 30th.  They will then submit the nomination to the NASN SNOY.

Criteria for selection based on Scope and Standards of Professional School Nursing Practice (NASN and ANA, 2004) 

Standards of Practice

• Assessment:  The school nurse administrator develops, maintains, and evaluates patient and staff data collection systems and processes to support the practice of nursing and delivery of patient/client care.                                        
• Problems/Diagnosis:  The school nurse administrator develops, maintains, and evaluates an environment that empowers and supports the professional nurse in analysis of assessment data and in decisions to determine relevant problems and diagnoses.
• Identification of Outcomes:  The school nurse administrator develops, maintains, and evaluates information systems and processes that promote desired, patient/client-defined, professional, and organizational outcomes.             
• Planning:  The school nurse administrator develops, maintains, and evaluates organizational systems to facilitate planning for delivery of care.     
• Implementation:  The school nurse administrator develops, maintains, and evaluates organizational systems that support implementation of plans and delivery of care throughout the student health service system.                                                
• Evaluation:  The school nurse administrator evaluates the plan and its progress in relation to the attainment of outcomes.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Standards of Professional Performance
Quality of Care and Administrative Practice:  The school nurse administrator systematically evaluates the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice and nursing services administration.

• Leads the development, implementation, and improvement of care delivery models and services that meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Identifies key indicators including measures of quality and safety and implements improvement measures for these key indicators.        
• Leads in creating and evaluating systems, processes, and programs that support organizational and nursing core values and objectives. 
• Evaluates the care environment to ensure that it is safe and healthful for patients/clients and staff.                        

Performance Appraisal:  The school nurse administrator evaluates personal performance based on professional standards, relevant statutes, rules and regulations, and organizational criteria.

• Identifies industry trends and competencies in nursing administration and nursing practice, using a systematic process.         
• Engages in self assessment of role accountabilities on a regular basis, identifying areas of strength as well as areas for professional and practice development and takes action to achieve plans for performance improvement.                       
• Evaluates accomplishment of the strategic plan and the vision for professional nursing.                                                          
• Seeks constructive feedback regarding one’s own practice and takes action to achieve plans for performance improvement.           

Professional Knowledge:  The school nurse administrator maintains and demonstrates current knowledge in the administration of healthcare
organizations to advance nursing and the provision of quality healthcare  services.

• Seeks experience to advance one’s skills and knowledge base in areas  of responsibilities in *Art and science of nursing * Changes in healthcare systems *Application of emerging technologies * Administrative practices                                                              
• Demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning and ongoing professional, development through such activities as *Education * Certification *Participation in professional organizations               
• Networks with state, regional, national, and global peers to share ideas and conduct mutual problem solving.                                        

 Professional Environment:  The school nurse administrator is accountable for providing a professional environment.

• Creates a professional practice environment that fosters excellence in nursing services and empowered decision making, accountability, and autonomy.                                                                                                                                               
• Establishes and promotes a framework for professional nursing practice built on core ideology which includes vision, mission, philosophy, core values, evidenced based practice, and standards of practice.                                             
• Develops strategies to recruit and retain, mentor, assure quality education and training, and ensure meaningful work to maximize job satisfaction and professional development of nursing staff.
• Assures the work environment is one of mutual respect and a climate of effective communication.                                                            

Ethics:  The school nurse administrator’s decisions and actions are based on ethical principles.

• Maintains privacy, confidentiality, and security of student, staff, and organizational data.                                                                        
• Adheres to the code of ethics for nurses and complies with regulatory and professional standards, as well as integrity in business practice.                                                                         
• Fosters a nondiscriminatory climate in which care is delivered in a manner sensitive to socio-cultural diversity.         
• Advocates on behalf of recipients of services and personnel.                                                                  

Collaboration:  The school nurse administrator collaborates with nursing staff at all levels, interdisciplinary teams, executive leaders, and other stakeholders.       

• Facilitates and models collaboration within nursing services, the organization and the community.
• Collaborates with nursing staff and other disciplines at all levels in the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services.                                    
• Collaborates with administrative peers in determining the acquisition allocation, and utilization of fiscal and human resources.
• Develops and fosters relationships that support the continuous enhancement of care delivery and student, family, and employee satisfaction.                                                                                                                                                      

Research:  The school nurse administrator supports research and its integration into nursing and the delivery of healthcare services.

• Supports research that promotes evidence-based, clinically effective and efficient, nurse-sensitive patient/client outcomes and other healthcare outcomes.               
• Facilitates the dissemination of research findings and the integration of evidence-based guidelines and practices into healthcare.
• Supports and contributes to procedures for review of, or participation in proposed research studies.                       
• Creates the environment and advocates for resources supportive of nursing research and scholarly inquiry.

Resource Utilization:  The school nurse administrator evaluates and administers the resources of nursing services.

• Assures nursing workload is measured and resources are allocated based upon student needs.
• Guides the delegation of responsibilities appropriate to the credentialing, education, and experience of staff.
• Leads in promoting the appropriate use of innovative applications and new technologies throughout the continuum of care.                 
• Provides fiscal oversight of allocated resources to optimize the provision of quality, cost-effective care.