BLS Nurse Blog
Tulips are in bloom in Tami’s dad’s backyard.
CONCUSSIONS
Response to Concussions: Protecting the Potential of Every Child
4/11/25 Conference Power Point Presentation
FLU
Central Oregon Weekly Flu Report – 4/14/25
MEASLES AND MORE
OHA – Make sure Oregon youth are up-to-date on vaccinations.
The 2025 United States’ measles outbreak is on pace to be the largest since measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. To date, 22 states have reported more than 600 measles cases this year (including the newest cases reported in Indiana just this week), largely from a single outbreak straddling Texas and New Mexico. Over the past 30 years, only 2019 had a higher national measles case count by this time of year—with 704 cases reported by the end of April and 1,274 by year’s end.
The age group most affected by measles this year is children ages 5-19—accounting for 40% of all cases.
While we haven’t seen any measles cases in Oregon yet this year, public health officials are urging families to make sure all children are up to date on measles vaccination (MMR). Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 97% protection against measles. The first dose is generally given to babies at 12-15 months old, and the second between ages 4 and 6 (but can be given as soon as one month after the first.)
Learn more about the MMR vaccine, including the spread and health risks of measles, here.
This week is Adolescent Immunization Action Week, a yearly observance aimed at raising awareness around the importance of adolescent immunizations that help protect teens against diseases and infections. In addition to MMR vaccination, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, preferably at ages 9-12 to help protect from HPV-related cancers in adulthood.
- Tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap) booster, preferably at ages 11-12. (In Oregon, a Tdap booster is required before starting 7th grade.)
- Meningococcal vaccination at age 11, and again at age 16.
Immunization resources for teens and young adults can be found here. To learn more about these and other recommended and required child and adolescent immunizations in Oregon, visit our website.
ORIENTATION FOR SUBSTITUTE NURSING SUPPORT
Regular Nursing Staff
When orienting a nurse to your school, please keep in mind that their primary responsibility should be covering your direct care duties, along with some minor additional support (e.g., health room coverage or other small tasks).
Some substitute time sheets are being submitted for a full 8 hours—or even slightly more in some cases (e.g., 8 hours and 15 minutes). Unless there is an emergency, there should be no need for substitute nurses to exceed the regular school day hours.
Ideally, substitute nurses should only be scheduled during the times when direct care is needed. Exceptions may apply, depending on school site.
Please reach out to Tami directly with any questions.
Thanks for your attention to this!
RUMINATION SYNDROME
NASN forum – 4/10/25 (very interesting)
Rumination syndrome is a condition in which someone repeatedly regurgitates undigested or partially digested food from the stomach. The regurgitated food is then chewed again and swallowed or spit out. People with rumination syndrome don’t try to regurgitate food. It happens without any effort.
Rumination syndrome is often confused with bulimia nervosa, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastroparesis.
CALENDAR
| DATE | TIME | EVENT | INFO |
| 4/16 – 4/17 | NO SCHOOL ALL MIDDLE AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS | These are workdays for regular nursing staff. | |
| 4/18 | NO SCHOOL ALL SCHOOLS | This is a workday for regular nursing staff staff. | |
| 4/23 | 2-330 | NURSE MEETING | Location: TBD |
| 5/7 | 2-330 | NURSE MEETING | Location: TBD |
| 5/14 | 6-9PM | TRIVIA NIGHT |
LINKS
Link to Links