BLS Nurse Blog
EAR LOBES
Did you know that earlobes have no biological purpose. They are rich in nerve endings and blood supply. Culturally, it is a canvas for ornamentation, with purposes ranging from fashion and social expression to symbolic rituals.
BLS Nurse Blog
COMMUNICATION
From NASN 2025 Conference
The Art of Communication
The Four Temperaments: A Timeless Tool for Communication in School Health Settings
Introduces school health leaders to a framework for improving communication, building stronger relationships, and reducing friction in day-to-day interactions.
Notes from presentation.
Which temperament are you????
Phelgmatic
Melancholic
Choleric
Sanguine
CONCUSSIONS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Return to Play Following Concussion
Middle School
An athlete may not return to sports participation in middle school until all steps outlined below have been completed.
- Middle School Medical Release Form Submission
- A middle school athlete diagnosed with a concussion must bring the signed BLS Medical Release Return to Sports Participation Following a Concussion for Middle School Athletes form to the BLS consulting registered nurse.
- The consulting nurse will complete the bottom section of the form and:
- Email a copy to the school’s athletic administrator (see list below).
- File the original form in the student’s cumulative file.
- The athletic administrator will notify the athlete’s coach of the provider’s clearance status based on the box checked by the physician or qualified health care professional.
- Academic Accommodations
- The athlete may not resume sports participation until all academic accommodations related to the concussion have been discontinued by the school.
- Form Availability and Distribution
- Middle schools will post this form on their Athletics webpage. (in process)
- Copies of the release form will be sent to Mosaic, Summit Medical Group, and COPA when the new Immediate Temporary Accommodations Plan is finalized (hopefully in the next few weeks).
- Coaches will communicate this new process to athletes and families.
- Alternate Forms
- Any documentation other than the BLS Medical Release Form will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- OSAA Medical Release Forms will also be reviewed; however, acceptance will depend on which box is checked. For example, if the provider selects “Athlete may begin graduated return-to-participation,” the athlete will not be considered cleared for sports participation.
- Coaches and nurses should help educate athletes, parents, and guardians on the correct form required for clearance.
- Coach Procedure
- If an athlete gives a note directly to the coach without following the steps above, the coach must not allow the athlete to participate until the school’s athletic administrator confirms clearance directly.
| Middle School | Athletic Administrator |
| Cascade | Mackenzie Groshong |
| LPMS | Brian Barringer |
| Pacific Crest | Dan Curfew |
| Pilot Butte | Colin Bado |
| Sky View | Nick Smith |
| Three Rivers | Loren Paige |
DIABETES
Inhaled Insulin on the Horizon – webinar, 10/8/25
This was a really informative webinar that discussed results for adult and pediatric trials of inhaled insulin. It will be available in a few weeks on the NASN website. Part 2 of this webinar will be Wednesday, November 12th. I’ll put the details in an upcoming blog when they are available.
Conclusions
- INHALE-1 supports the safety and efficacy of T1 youth with diabetes.
- Inhaled insulin is associated with less weight gain and increased patient and parent satisfaction.
- Inhaled insulin is an important alternative to injected RAA (rapid acting analog) for youth with diabetes. Inhaled insulin is more rapid than the rapid acting analog.
Link to webinar slides
HEALTH LOG
FYI
The health code “Bee sting” has been removed from Synergy and replaced with “Insect sting”.
NARCAN
Narcan Order Placed through ODE
On behalf of Bend-La Pine Schools, Narcan has have been ordered through ODE for every one of our schools. Please do not order any for your school. The school contact name listed is Tami Pike. Please update the Narcan 25/26 School Year log with the expiration dates when you receive your order. We will be all set with Narcan for awhile.
OFFICE OF POLICY, ADVOCACY, AND EQUITY
Election Season and Political Topics
From Kinsey Martin
Dear staff — As election season approaches, this is a good time to revisit our expectations around political topics in our school and workplace. While this November may not bring the same intensity as a presidential election year, maintaining neutrality in our professional capacity remains essential.
Here is our policy around staff engaging in political activities. This is a great tool outlining boundaries and appropriate use of district equipment, time, and resources in relation to election topics. District leadership asks that each employee read the information in those links carefully. Let Kinsey know if you have any questions or need clarification.
In addition, we know students may initiate conversations about politics, candidates, or ballot measures. To help navigate these moments: Here are 10 steps for teachers to prepare, navigate, and respond to sensitive discourse. Our district Advocacy Coaches are also available to support you in facilitating respectful and balanced discussions.
SAFETY
Substance Services Assessment and Scan Reports
DCHS completed a Substance Service Needs Assessment.
Priority areas identified on the assessment:
- Prevention
- Harm Reduction
- Linkage to Treatment
- Treatment
- Recovery Support
Community Assessment Report and the Environmental Scan of Substance related services: Opioid Overdose Prevention and Response – Deschutes County Oregon
DATES TO REMEMBER
Upcoming Nurse Events/Meetings
| DATE | EVENT | TIME | LOCATION |
| Wednesday, 10/15 | All Nurse Meeting | 2-330 | Pine Ridge Library |
| Wednesday, 10/29 | No school elem/middle | This is a required work day for regular staff. | |
| Thursday, 10/30 | No school elem/middle | This is a required work day for regular staff. | |
| Friday, 10/31 | No school elem/middle | This is a required work day for regular staff. |
| February 6, 2026 | |
| March 6, 2026 | |
| November 7, 2025 | April 10, 2026 |
| December 5, 2025 | May 8, 2026 |
| January 9, 2026 | June 12, 2026 |
$$$$$$ When is pay day????? $$$$$$
| February 27, 2026 | |
| October 31, 2025 | March 31, 2026 |
| November 28, 2025 | April 30, 2026 |
| December 31, 2025 | May 29, 2026 |
| January 30, 2026 | June 30 , 2026 |