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FROM 2023 MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY EVENTS IN LOCAL 870
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IN HOUSE TRAINING SESSION
VIRTUAL TRAINING SESSIONS COMING UP
Contract Negotiation Strategies: Maximizing Our Leverage
Our union is strongest when our members come together, ready to fight for what’s right. Want to maximize the union’s leverage in contract negotiations by organizing a contract committee, sometimes referred to as a Contract Action Team or CAT? A CAT is a representative group of local/unit activists who help to plan and implement both the contract negotiations and the contract campaign that accompanies the negotiations.
Wed October 11 and Thu October 12, from 6 pm to 8 pm**
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1084
Public Speaking Workshop
Are you worried that you’ll go blank before an audience? Or are you just looking for tips to improve your oral presentations? In this workshop participants will review the elements of creating and delivering a short presentation designed to move people to action.
Thursday, October 12, from 12 pm to 2 pm
To register: https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1085
Conducting Successful Meetings
Much of the business of the union is done during meetings–general membership meetings, executive board meetings, committee meetings, steward meetings and many other types of meetings. In order for these meetings to be productive and useful, the leaders and participants of the meetings must be aware of some basic information. In this workshop, we will identify the characteristics of successful meetings, examine the different types of meetings held within the union context, learn the basics of parliamentary procedure, and practice meeting preparation and participation techniques.
Friday, October 13, from 10 am to 12 pm
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1086
It’s Not Grieveable, Now What?
Many grievance representatives say their most difficult task is communicating with members who believe they have a legitimate grievance when a thorough investigation shows otherwise. While it can be hard to share this news, we must always remember that the grievance process is just one way to address our members’ issues. In this webinar, you will:
- Learn how to explain the results of a grievance investigation
- Identify available alternatives to solve an issue outside of a grievance
- Create a plan to execute your chosen alternative
If you are a Local/Unit Officer or grievance representative, this online class is for you! It is especially useful for those who have recently completed CSEA’s two-part grievance representation workshop.
Monday, October 16, from 10 am to 11 am
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1089
Grievance Representation
Want a stronger union? Attend this upcoming Grievance Representation workshop! Help enforce the contractual rights you and your co-workers have won. Every day, CSEA grievance representatives represent their co-workers in contract grievance procedures. In this new and exciting two-part webinar, you will learn how to follow a contractual grievance procedure, investigate a case, write a grievance, and present a grievance to management.
Completion of this workshop complies with the CSEA Local/Unit Constitutional mandate, Article 5 Section 6. To be appointed as a certified grievance representative, participants must complete this workshop and be appointed by their Local or Unit president.
This workshop is designed for Local Government, Private Sector, and New York State Authority officers and activists who have little or no experience handling grievances and other workplace violations.
Wed October 18 and Thu October 19, from 6 pm to 8 pm**
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1090
Registration deadline is Monday, October 16, at 5 pm.
Duty of Fair Representation
In this brief webinar, you will learn about The Duty of Fair Representation (DFR), the legal obligation of a union to fairly represent all workers in a bargaining unit whether they are members or not. This workshop will explain the CSEA activists’ obligation to fairly represent all members of a bargaining unit. This training is geared specifically for CSEA grievance and discipline representatives but is accessible to all members. Attendance of this workshop does not meet any training requirement for officers, grievance representatives, or discipline representatives.
Thursday, October 19, from 12 pm to 1 pm
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1091
Advanced Steward: Building an Activist Network
This workshop is designed for officers and activists who havecompleted the basic Steward Workshop. Participants will refresh and sharpen their skills by practicing communication skills, understanding the importance of recruiting and encouraging member involvement, and review how to choose and organize around workplace issues to build the union.
Monday, October 23, from 6 pm to 8 pm
To register: https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1097
Private Sector Discipline: Representing Members in Interrogations
Would you like to learn how to build a stronger union? Do you want to know what is required to represent your brothers and sisters effectively? In this webinar, you will review the elements of your contractual disciplinary procedure and your rights as union representatives in interrogations/investigatory interviews. Also learn how to defend the rights of members in interrogations/investigatory interviews and how to distinguish between an interrogation/investigatory interview and other supervisory discussions that do not entitle workers to union representation.
This workshop is for private sector local officers and activists.
Tuesday, October 24, from 6 pm to 8 pm
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1087
Representing Members in Discipline and Interrogations Recertification
This workshop is designed for officers and activists that have completed the basic workshop. Participants will have an opportunity to review their role and employee rights within the disciplinary process and practice their skills in preparing for and representing members during disciplinary interrogations.
Completion of this workshop will ensure compliance with the CSEA Local and Unit Constitutions’ Article 5, Section 6. To be appointed as a certified Discipline & Interrogation Representative, members must complete this workshop and be appointed by their Local/Unit Presidents.
This workshop is for ALL State, Local Government and Private Sector bargaining unit officers and activists who have completed the basic discipline and Interrogation workshop.
Wednesday, October 25, from 12 pm to 2 pm
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1092
Labor History
Labor History is our history! But what is Labor History? Labor activists rarely have the opportunity to reflect on the history of labor and the American labor movement. In this workshop, participants will learn about different events in labor history, including the workplace struggles that preceded us. We will discuss how we can use our knowledge of these struggles to help write the history of the current and future labor movement. Finally, we will learn how CSEA’s history fits into the American labor movement.
Thursday, October 26, from 6 pm to 8 pm
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1094
Grievance Representation Recertification
This workshop is designed for officers and activists that have completed the basic grievance representation workshop. In this interactive workshop, participants will practice reviewing fact patterns, conduct a grievance investigation, apply applicable contract language, and discuss the basics of presenting a grievance to management. Completion of this workshop will ensure compliance with the CSEA Local and Unit Constitutions’ Article 5, Section 6.
This workshop is for ALL State, Local Government and Private Sector bargaining unit officers and activists who have completed the two-part basic grievance representation workshop.
Monday, October 30, from 12 pm to 2 pm
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1095
Advanced Grievance: Introduction to Contract Interpretation
This advanced workshop is designed for Local/Unit Officers and Certified Grievance Representatives who have completed the Local Government/Private Sector Grievance workshop. The workshop is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and basic skills necessary to understand and interpret contact language.
Monday, October 30, from 6 pm to 8 pm
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1096
How to Conduct a New Member Orientation
With the Supreme Court’s decision in Janus v. AFSCME, it is more important than ever that we introduce new employees to the benefits we have fought for and won. This program is designed to give you the resources necessary to implement and build your own new member orientation program for your local or unit.
This workshop is for Local and Unit officers and activists who are interested in building a more effective New Member Orientation Program.
Wednesday, November 1, from 6 pm to 8 pm
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1129
Representing Members in Discipline and Interrogations Recertification
This workshop is designed for officers and activists that have completed the basic discipline workshop. Participants will have an opportunity to review their role and employee rights within the disciplinary process and practice their skills in preparing for and representing members during disciplinary interrogations.
Completion of this workshop will ensure compliance with the CSEA Local and Unit Constitutions’ Article 5, Section 6. To be appointed as a certified Discipline & Interrogation Representative, members must complete this workshop and be appointed by their Local/Unit Presidents.
This workshop is for ALL State, Local Government and Private Sector bargaining unit officers and activists who have completed the basic discipline and Interrogation workshop.
Thursday, November 2, from 6 to 8 pm
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1130
Weingarten Rights: What You Need to Know Webinar
In this brief webinar, you will learn about how to protect and enforce your right (known as Weingarten rights) to union representation when faced with an investigatory interview. An investigatory interview occurs when a supervisor questions an employee to obtain information that could be used as a basis for discipline or when a supervisor asks an employee to defend her or his conduct. Attendance of this workshop does not meet officers’ and discipline representatives’ Discipline & Interrogation training requirement.
Friday, November 3, from 10 am to 11 am
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1131
Grievance Representation Recertification
This workshop is designed for officers and activists that have completed the basic grievance representation workshop. In this interactive workshop, participants will practice reviewing fact patterns, conduct a grievance investigation, apply applicable contract language, and discuss the basics of presenting a grievance to management. Completion of this workshop will ensure compliance with the CSEA Local and Unit Constitutions’ Article 5, Section 6.
This workshop is for ALL State, Local Government and Private Sector bargaining unit officers and activists who have completed the two-part basic grievance representation workshop.
Monday, November 6, from 6 pm to 8 pm
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1132
Representing Members in Discipline and Interrogations
Do you know your rights in a disciplinary investigation? Want to make sure your co-workers don’t get railroaded in an interrogation? Every day, CSEA discipline representatives educate and advocate for their co-workers. In this two-part webinar, you will learn about your discipline procedure, your rights, and how to effectively represent your co-workers. This workshop meets Local and Unit officers’ disciplinary training requirement.
This workshop is for ALL Local Government, NYS Authorities and Canals bargaining unit officers and activists who want to represent members in disciplinary matters.
Wed November 8 and Thu November 9, from 6 pm to 8 pm**
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1133
Registration deadline is Monday, November 6, at 5 pm.
Duty of Fair Representation
In this brief webinar, you will learn about The Duty of Fair Representation (DFR), the legal obligation of a union to fairly represent all workers in a bargaining unit whether they are members or not. This workshop will explain the CSEA activists’ obligation to fairly represent all members of a bargaining unit. This training is geared specifically for CSEA grievance and discipline representatives but is accessible to all members. Attendance of this workshop does not meet any training requirement for officers, grievance representatives, or discipline representatives.
Thursday, November 9, from 2 pm to 3 pm
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1134
State Government: Representing Members in Discipline and Interrogation
Would you like to learn how to build a stronger union? Do you want to know what is required to represent your brothers and sisters effectively? In this 2-part webinar, you will review the elements of your contract’s disciplinary procedure, you will learn how to investigate disciplinary grievances and distinguish between an interview and an interrogation. Also, you will learn what your rights are in a disciplinary investigation and ensure that those you are representing are being treated fairly.
This workshop is for CSEA State Government bargaining unit (ASU, ISU, OSU, DMNA) Officers and activists who are responsible for representing members in disciplinary issues in the workplace.
Mon November 13 and Tue November 14, from 6 pm to 8 pm**
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1135
Labor-Management Committee Training
This workshop provides CSEA Local Government and Private Sector Officers and activists with an overview on the role of labor-management committees in resolving workplace issues, including what types of issues are appropriate for labor-management committees, operating procedures for such committees, and principled or “interest-based” bargaining techniques to use in labor-management discussions. In addition, participants will role play a labor-management committee session.
Wednesday, November 15, from 12 pm to 2 pm
To register: https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1136
Labor History
Labor History is our history! But what is Labor History? Labor activists rarely have the opportunity to reflect on the history of labor and the American labor movement. In this workshop, participants will learn about different events in labor history, including the workplace struggles that preceded us. We will discuss how we can use our knowledge of these struggles to help write the history of the current and future labor movement. Finally, we will learn how CSEA’s history fits into the American labor movement.
Thursday, November 16, from 12 to 2 pm
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1137
Steward
Our union is strongest when our members come together, ready to fight for what’s right. Every day, CSEA stewards make this happen at worksites throughout the state. In this two-part workshop, you will learn more about our union and how stewards build power by organizing, educating, and communicating with coworkers.
This workshop is for all CSEA Members who want to build a stronger union.
Saturday, November 18, from 10 am to 2:30 pm
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1138
The 7 Tests of Just Cause
In this webinar, you will learn about the seven tests management must meet in order to discipline an employee. This will be especially useful for members who have already taken a Discipline and Interrogation workshop from the Education and Training department. Attendance of this workshop does not meet officers’ and discipline representatives’ Discipline & Interrogation training requirement.
This workshop is open to All CSEA Members.
Monday, November 20, from 6 pm to 7 pm
To register: https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1139
Steward
Our union is strongest when our members come together, ready to fight for what’s right. Every day, CSEA stewards make this happen at worksites throughout the state. In this two-part workshop, you will learn more about our union and how stewards build power by organizing, educating, and communicating with coworkers.
This workshop is for all CSEA Members who want to build a stronger union.
Tue November 28 and Wed November 29, from 12 pm to 2 pm**
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1140
Contract Negotiations: Team Training
This interactive workshop is designed for local government and private sector officers and activists who wish to develop a strategy for the Contract Negotiating Team that accompanies the Labor Relations Specialist to the bargaining table to negotiate the bargaining unit’s collective bargaining agreement.
Wed November 29 and Thu November 30, from 6 pm to 8 pm**
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1141
How to Conduct a New Member Orientation
With the Supreme Court’s decision in Janus v. AFSCME, it is more important than ever that we introduce new employees to the benefits we have fought for and won. This program is designed to give you the resources necessary to implement and build your own new member orientation program for your local or unit.
This workshop is for Local and Unit officers and activists who are interested in building a more effective New Member Orientation Program.
Friday, December 1, from 12 pm to 2 pm
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1144
Advanced Grievance: Power in Numbers
Want to identify issues that present organizing opportunities and plan strategic campaigns that use escalating tactics to pressure management into improving the workplace? This workshop will cover the importance of one-on-one conversations, small meetings, and rank-and-file activism in establishing the foundation of a thriving union. Completion of this workshop does not comply with the grievance representation training requirement as outlined in the CSEA Local and Unit Constitutions’ Article V, Section 6.
This workshop is open to CSEA Officers and activists who have completed the 2-part basic grievance representation workshop.
Mon December 4 and Tue December 5, from 6 pm to 8 pm**
To register: https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1145
Steward
Our union is strongest when our members come together, ready to fight for what’s right. Every day, CSEA stewards make this happen at worksites throughout the state. In this two-part workshop, you will learn more about our union and how stewards build power by organizing, educating, and communicating with coworkers.
This workshop is for all CSEA Members who want to build a stronger union.
TueDecember 12and WedDecember 13, from 6 pm to 8 pm**
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1146
Conducting Successful Meetings
Much of the business of the union is done during meetings–general membership meetings, executive board meetings, committee meetings, steward meetings and many other types of meetings. In order for these meetings to be productive and useful, the leaders and participants of the meetings must be aware of some basic information. In this workshop, we will identify the characteristics of successful meetings, examine the different types of meetings held within the union context, learn the basics of parliamentary procedure, and practice meeting preparation and participation techniques.
Wednesday, December 13, from 12 pm to 2 pm
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1147
Labor History
Labor History is our history! But what is Labor History? Labor activists rarely have the opportunity to reflect on the history of labor and the American labor movement. In this workshop, participants will learn about different events in labor history, including the workplace struggles that preceded us. We will discuss how we can use our knowledge of these struggles to help write the history of the current and future labor movement. Finally, we will learn how CSEA’s history fits into the American labor movement.
Thursday, December 14, from 6 to 8 pm
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1148
Advanced Grievance: Introduction to Contract Interpretation
This advanced workshop is designed for Local/Unit Officers and Certified Grievance Representatives who have completed the Local Government/Private Sector Grievance workshop. The workshop is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and basic skills necessary to understand and interpret contact language.
Friday, December 15, from 12 pm to 2 pm
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1149
Representing Members in Discipline and Interrogations Recertification
This workshop is designed for officers and activists that have completed the basic discipline workshop. Participants will have an opportunity to review their role and employee rights within the disciplinary process and practice their skills in preparing for and representing members during disciplinary interrogations.
Completion of this workshop will ensure compliance with the CSEA Local and Unit Constitutions’ Article 5, Section 6. To be appointed as a certified Discipline & Interrogation Representative, members must complete this workshop and be appointed by their Local/Unit Presidents.
This workshop is for ALL State, Local Government and Private Sector bargaining unit officers and activists who have completed the basic discipline and Interrogation workshop.
Monday, December18, from 6 to 8 pm
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1150
An Overview of the Family Medical Leave Act
Would you like to learn the basic knowledge and skills necessary to understand the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)? In this webinar, you will focus on eligibility requirements, qualifying conditions, and certification requirements to enable CSEA Activists to be better prepared to represent CSEA members who wish to use the FMLA.
This workshop is designed for CSEA Local/Unit Officers, Stewards, Grievance Representatives, and Activists who are interested in learning their rights, roles, and responsibilities under the FMLA.
Tuesday, December 19, from 12 pm to 2 pm
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1151
Grievance Representation Recertification
This workshop is designed for officers and activists that have completed the basic grievance representation workshop. In this interactive workshop, participants will practice reviewing fact patterns, conduct a grievance investigation, apply applicable contract language, and discuss the basics of presenting a grievance to management. Completion of this workshop will ensure compliance with the CSEA Local and Unit Constitutions’ Article 5, Section 6.
This workshop is for ALL State, Local Government and Private Sector bargaining unit officers and activists who have completed the two-part basic grievance representation workshop.
Tuesday, December 19, from 6 pm to 8 pm
To register:https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1152
**This is a 2-part workshop, must participate in both parts to receive credit
Greenport school district unit officers taking
the oath of office in their elected position!
SUNY Oswego Local President Gary Thompson shares how he communicates to members – like janitor Gabe Gonzales, about how anti-union groups are targeting CSEA members across the state and what to do with their scam emails and mailings. Watch the video: https://youtu.be/t-mwTuU2QyU.
RIVERHEAD SD MEMBERSHIP MEETING/APPRECIATION DAY PICS
Installation of Officers 2021 Photos
2022 CSEA Statewide Scholarship Recipients
CSEA is proud to announce the recipients of the 2022 Irving Flaumenbaum, Pearl Insurance and MetLife Insurance Company Scholarships.
MetLife Insurance Company:
The Navarro Team Local 870
2022 Scholarship Winners
LONGWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT FIGHTS FOR A FAIR CONTRACT !
CSEA Region One, Suffolk Educational Local 870, Longwood School District Unit Members stand together to show Unity and Support of Workers getting a fair contract !!
A PICTURE FROM THE OFFICERS OF LOCAL 870
William Floyd Clerical – Suffolk Educational Local 870 school district members donates back to schools ! William Floyd clerical donate to Billy’s Closet” in the William Floyd School district ! The community school children can go to the pantry to get school supplies ! All school district participants from Our Local 870 school district conference donated supplies and The Local distributed school them accordingly !
MY CSEA APP
My CSEA application is a member exclusive app that is designed to give CSEA members access to various benefits, discounts, news and events and much more.
CHECK OUT THE 870 NEWS PAGE (CLICK HERE)
CLICK HERE TO GO TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE UP-TO-DATE LOCAL NEWS
2019 MEMBER CONFERENCE PHOTOS (click here) 🙂
Meet the nurses protecting everyone’s health in schools during pandemic
THE NURSE’S OFFICE inside each school building is often a hub of activity.
Students are treated for minor bumps and bruises. At times, more serious injuries like concussions or broken bones require additional medical care. Nurses administer daily medications that some children require, monitoring those with chronic health conditions or who face potentially life-threatening allergies. There are immunizations to track and health exams for student-athletes to be eligible for sports.
Communication is constant with parents and fellow staff members.
“The responsibilities of keeping our students safe have grown, but the hours in the day have stayed the same.”
ALISON SOTO
As school nurses returned to work earlier this fall, the job suddenly took on even greater importance. To resume in-person learning amid a global pandemic, school districts outlined detailed plans to account for social distancing, personal protective equipment, transportation adjustments and daily screenings, among many other changes.
School nurses found themselves on the front lines to confront the unprecedented challenge of keeping buildings with hundreds of students and staff operating safely.
Returning to school in September after the sudden shutdown last March came with many unknowns about what exactly the upcoming school year would entail.
“It was very anxiety-provoking trying to determine what we were going to find in September when we started back,” said Diana Pirolo, the registered nurse at Cutchogue East Elementary School. “I think the anticipation was worse than the actual, but we did a lot to be prepared.”
Ms. Pirolo, who’s been a school nurse for 17 years and is in her sixth year at Cutchogue East, said an isolation room was set up in the building for any student who may get sick while at school. The district set up screening protocols for temperature checks as students enter the building. She said when a student’s temperature checks above 100 degrees, the nurse will be called for further evaluation.
“Sometimes the temperature will be high because they had the heat on in the car and the kid is sitting right in front of the heater,” she said. “Not very frequently, but every once in a while on those real cold mornings when mom’s got the heat high.”
Nearly four months into the academic year, local schools have largely avoided any major outbreaks within buildings, even as students and staff test positive from time to time. Part of that can be attributed to the protocol and guidelines school nurses work daily to maintain. County health officials have said that COVID-19 cases, which have been rising for weeks, have been linked to community spread and not directly to schools. Riverhead Central School District, which has seen 60 cases among students, teachers and staff members, recently completed a mandatory testing program due to the Riverhead hamlet becoming a micro-cluster under state guidelines. (The district declined to make any of its school nurses available for this story.)
Alison Soto, the registered nurse at Prodell Middle School in Shoreham-Wading River School District, said they added a health aide position this year to assist nurses with the added COVID responsibilities. The health aide would accompany any student with COVID symptoms to an isolation room, where they would wait for a guardian to arrive and pick the student up. Each morning, attestation forms are collected to assess a student’s health as well as any travel or exposure history, she said. Those are saved for 14 days.
The health aide then calls each parent or guardian for students who may have forgotten the form or filled it out incorrectly, she said.
“The responsibilities of keeping our students safe have grown, but the hours in the day have stayed the same,” Ms. Soto said in a written response to questions. “[The] majority of us are either in early, stay late, or do both in order to try to get everything accomplished.”
Ms. Soto estimated that COVID-specific duties now account for about 75% of the workday. There are frequent phone calls with parents, staff and administration regarding constantly shifting protocols and policies from agencies like the Suffolk County Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The five school nurses in the district update a master Google Sheet document daily with all COVID-related cases. SWR has now seen 41 students test positive, plus another 13 teachers or staff members, according to the database published by the state Department of Health.
“The nurses also collaborate amongst each other regarding siblings in other buildings,” she said.
In the Southold School District, nurses limit the number of students in the health offices at any one time to reduce exposure by requiring teachers to call prior to sending any student there. They’ve also added nursing carts stocked with general first aid supplies so nurses can visit students outside their classrooms to assess for symptoms.
“We have been able to assess and triage whether the student needs more care in the health office or if a quick mobile visit will suffice,” the district’s three nurses — Cori Pearsall, Patty O’Day and Patty Amato — wrote in a response to questions. “This has been very helpful in decreasing time spent in the health office and increasing time in the classroom.”
The nurses said they dedicate a significant amount of time to communicating directly with parents about protocols for returning to school after an illness and whether their child would require medical clearance from their health care provider. COVID-19 symptoms overlap with the common cold, allergies or flu, so assessment from a health care provider is often required.
“The biggest hurdle this year is the process to return to school after having symptoms that the DOH recognizes as COVID-19 symptoms,” the Southold nurses wrote. “We are required to receive a note from the health care provider stating that the symptoms were not COVID-19 related or the provider must provide an alternate diagnosis. If we do not receive this documentation, the student must remain home for 10 days.”
An underlying issue nurses say they have seen is the mental health aspect of the pandemic. Fortunately, COVID-19 has not shown to be as devastating for children as compared to older adults. And children have adapted well in terms of wearing masks and social distancing to reduce the spread, the nurses said. But there’s an anxiety factor for children who fear getting sick, possible shutdowns or isolation that can come with a positive diagnosis.
The anxiety extends to faculty and staff members as well, Ms. Soto said. And students face added stress when a friend isn’t in school, is sent home early or is absent for an extended period.
“A lot of time is spent between the nurses, health aides, school psychologists and counselors helping students (and potentially faculty/staff) verbalize their feelings and supporting them during this time of uncertainty,” Ms. Soto said.
Nurses must constantly adapt to the changing landscape surrounding COVID-19. They check daily for updated guidance from the county health department and the state health department hosts weekly webinars with updates that the nurses share with their fellow school staff.
Ms. Soto said the nurses at SWR took the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Contact Tracing course, which was approximately six hours, prior to the start of the school year. Now, there are frequent Zoom meetings with the superintendent and district administrators and principals.
“These Zoom meetings, as well as frequent emails, keep us up to date on the ever-changing guidelines,” she said.
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