Leadership Profile: ARKANSASThe Arkansas School Nurses Association (ASNA) DIRECTOR (thru 2011) Lisa Drake, RN, BSN, currently practices school nursing as the Director of Nursing and Health Services for the Forrest City district. She oversees 3,700 students and six School Nurses on five campuses. Low social economic levels are a main issue in Arkansas. "So many parents don't have health insurance and often they don't seek health care for their children when advised." Lisa's goal is to open a school-based health clinic. "That's my pie in the sky dream!" In her free time she studies to become a Nurse Practitioner. Lisa found that networking with experts in other states has been a major NASN benefit. "With NASN, you've got national (standards) in your hand when you go to your Principal," she says. This year, Lisa is addressing staff wellness with "Ways to Feel Great in 2008!" campaign to reduce smoking, obesity, and encourage exercise. PRESIDENT (thru May 2009) Kathey Haynie, RN, BSN, recently accepted a position as Nursing Director at the Bryant school district. She oversees 7,100 students and 12 School Nurses in 11 schools. Kathey believes the main school nursing issues in Arkansas are a lack of School Nurses and non-competitive School Nurse salaries. Her area of special interest is influencing legislator's conceptions. "School Nurses are not an unnecessary expense, but important and to be compensated just as other school educators." Kathey believes NASN is accomplishing many things on the national level that have a trickle down effect on the state level. "The more support we're getting from NASN, the more influence we have with our legislators." In her free time, Kathey enjoys to cross stitch, quilt, and reading. ARKANSAS Registered School Nurses to Student Ratio: 1:1,087 Interesting Fact: Arkansas was the first state to introduce BMI mandates in 2005. Lisa has been known to dress up as the BMI Queen! Coming Up is the ASNA Spring Conference, May 1-2, 2008 in West Memphis, Arkansas. During the meeting, all conference participants will be certified to administer EPI pens (according to the new AR requirements). For more information, please visit our events page. |