The Relentless School Nurse: NASN2025 and the Power of Our Collective Voice

Attending NASN2025 in Austin was a reunion of the heart. Imagine over 1000 school nurses gathered in one space, each carrying stories of the deep knowing that what we do matters. It’s powerful to be surrounded by people who get it—who understand the load we carry and the joy that keeps us coming back. I was immediately struck by the energy and optimism that filled every corner of the conference center. There was a sense of anticipation in the air—an eagerness to learn, reconnect, and tackle the evolving challenges of school health together. Surrounded by dedicated professionals from all over the country, I felt a renewed purpose and pride in our shared mission as school nurses.

 This year’s theme, Stronger Together, wasn’t only a clever tagline; it was a promise, woven into every moment of the conference. From the powerful general sessions to the more than 30 breakout workshops, we were offered not just information, but tools for action. We tackled urgent topics—mental health, equity, trauma-informed care, chronic health conditions—and walked away with renewed purpose and practical strategies we can bring back to our schools and communities.

But NASN conferences are beyond professional development—it’s where relationships are rekindled, new connections are born, and the sense of isolation that often comes with our roles begins to melt away. The Braindate platform allowed us to dive into meaningful, peer-to-peer conversations, and the exhibit hall buzzed with possibility.

For those joining virtually, the hybrid format will ensure that no one is left out; live-streamed sessions and interactive Q&A extend the reach and the learning. If you are attending the virtual conference, please tune in to my presentation with great friend and trusted messenger, safe gun storage expert, Kelitah Johnson of End Family Fire. We will present on Wednesday, July 9, at 11:05 am EDT, to discuss: School Nurses: An Integral Key to Decreasing Gun Violence in Our School Communities, and will be live for a 15-minute Q&A!

For me, one of the most moving parts of the conference was meeting readers of The Relentless School Nurse. I was truly humbled by the nurses who took the time to introduce themselves, share what the blog means to them, and even ask for selfies. It reminded me that advocacy doesn’t always begin with policy. Sometimes, it starts with a story, an honest reflection, a shared experience, a moment of truth. These interactions reminded me why I write: to connect, to affirm, and to lift up the collective voice of school nursing.

We also made space to honor the giants on whose shoulders we stand—our mentors, our legacy leaders, and the colleagues who helped shape who we are today. Sharing these moments, hearing those stories again, reminded me that we are part of something much bigger. Our legacy is built with each act of care, each decision rooted in equity, and each time we show up—relentlessly—for our students and each other.

I return home with a contented heart, refocused and recharged. NASN2025 was a call to action, a celebration of our profession, and a powerful reminder that none of us walks this path alone. Together, we are weaving a story of resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment. One connection at a time, one voice at a time, one act of advocacy at a time—we are stronger together.

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