President’s Message:

MASN’s Vision:  “Healthy Children, Our Maine Concern.”

MASN’s Mission- To promote quality comprehensive health services by supporting and strengthening the professional role of school nurses and by advancing the practice of school nursing.”

                  Happy New Year!  May 2012 be a wonderful year for you all.

As I am preparing for our winter board meeting, I am wondering about what Maine nurses are hoping for in the New Year. You probably don’t know that I assumed the president role without having been president elect. I am not new to the board but have a lot to learn about being President!   I have served as Legislative Committee Chair, Education Committee Chair and Secretary but now have to concentrate on keeping us moving forward with our mission and strategic plan. That’s my hope- that MASN continues to move forward with advancing the practice of school nursing.  MASN has a strategic plan that is in constant revision.  Currently MASN has set 5 goals that address advocacy, communication, leadership, membership and best practice. More time is spent addressing a specific goal as the most pressing needs are identified. Your board is composed of 27 hard working members and I appreciate all their hard work and time.  We are all very busy people but are happy to serve on this board.  Most of us say we get as much out of our service as we put into it.  The professional connection, the support and the enthusiasm keeps us going.  Please consider joining us in one capacity or another.  There are always committees that need support if you don’t want to take on a leadership role.

One of my goals is to use the website as a means for communicating what the board is doing.  We plan to post our meeting minutes and the Strategic Plan on MASN’s website.  Pat Endsley deserves a huge Thank-You for taking on the website and doing such a wonderful job.

Another goal is to use technology to improve access to education and information.  I REALLY NEED HELP WITH THAT.  If there is anyone who is tech savvy and wants to help, please contact me.

Best wishes for a HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR’

Marla Blake