Mental health training for school nurses isn’t exactly the same training as we do for teachers. However, we can do a PD topic that is suitable for both.
Because school nurses are managing the health and well-being of students, they need more information on the different signs of emotional distress including types of substance misuse symptoms and drug trends as well as signs of trauma and self-harm.
In terms of suicide prevention training for school nurses, even if they are not the ones doing a suicide screening, they need to know the tools and protocol. And more importantly, they need to know the specifics of restricting access to means and educating parents on the subject as it relates to both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Because kids do OD on Tylenol.
Often, it’s the school nurse who decides whether it’s a 911 call or not depending on the area and the resources available. And they are quite good at that. But they need the information behind the symptoms so they can make an educated call.
It was always the school nurse who was my ally when my son was struggling with mental health issues
I didn’t have a lot of people I trusted. He was a frequent flier at the school clinic and did show signs early on starting in elementary school all the way through high school.
I knew the first name of every school nurse of every school Charles ever attended. That was years before my son became addicted to heroin and took his life at age 20. The school nurse, unlike some administrators at the time, was always compassionate and focused on my son’s well-being. I remain grateful for that.
Audience feedback from VCU School Nurse’s Conference
- “best presentation & most useful”
- “It was incredibly powerful.”
- “WOW! Talk about taking your grief and making it work for the betterment of others.”
- “Thank you for including this in the seminar!”
- “Very difficult, but necessary topic.”
- “Tough subject done well.”
- “I am thrilled that SOMEONE is finally standing up to bring the “elephant in our society” to light.”
Mental Health Training for School Nurses:
SPOTTING STUDENTS AT RISK: How School Nurses Can Prevent Suicide and Self-Harm Behaviors
Length: This topic can be adapted from 1-3 hours long and customized to your needs.
Included: This topic includes education on self-harm, depression, anxiety, suicide, substance misuse/SUD, and self-care.
Description:
How can educators spot students at risk for suicide? What is the right thing to say or do? What can be done to prevent students from getting to crisis in the first place? And how can educators find support?
Whether it’s having a conversation with a stressed-out student, spotting a child who might be on a substance, or talking to someone who might be suicidal, this presentation will empower educators with the words and tools needed to be the bridge to support.
With its engaging personal stories, real-life examples, and interactive activities, this presentation is not your usual PD or snoozer training but a rich learning opportunity for educators.
Learning topics:
- How to spot students/co-workers at risk and what to say/do
- The cryptic and often veiled ways students cry for help
- How to have difficult and age-appropriate conversations with students (talk bubble conversation examples)
- Spotting signs of drug use that are usually hard to see plus drug trends
- Is self-harm the same as a suicide attempt?
- Restricting access to means including OTC meds
- The single most important skill for working with young people
- Evidence-Based Screening and Assessment tools for clinicians
- Which students might be at higher risk
- Who should you collaborate with
- Self-care for you
- Resources and protocols
Get the pdf: Mental Health Training for School Nurses
About Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Speaker AnneMoss Rogers
AnneMoss Rogers is a Mental health & Suicide Education Expert, Professional Trainer, Speaker, and Consultant. As one of the most sought-after mental health speakers, AnneMoss has lived the ultimate tragedy and become an expert on mental health, emotional wellness as well as suicide prevention. Desperate to escape the darkness of his depression, her younger son Charles turned to drugs and died by suicide in 2015 at age 20.
AnneMoss was the first non-clinician invited to speak on youth suicide at the National Institute of Mental Health, and she is one of the editors for the American Association of Pediatrics Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention. She is the author of two mental health-related books, one written specifically for educators focused on preventing suicide of school-age youth.
AnneMoss Rogers is a leading wellness and suicide education expert and one of the top mental health speakers and suicide prevention speakers. Known for her powerful, motivational keynotes, AnneMoss combines her personal story of loss with proven strategies to help organizations build a wellness culture that drives results and saves lives. She speaks at conferences, workplaces, K-12 schools, and universities, delivering impactful presentations that inspire change and promote mental health awareness.
AnneMoss does this work in memory of her son, Charles, who struggled with anxiety, depression, and addiction, and died by suicide at age 20 in 2015.
I really appreciated this training and your understanding of what school nurses do. the story you shared about how often your son visited the school nurse and those interactions was so thoughtful
You are so welcome Adelaine