Dear TSNO Members,
Today is our day! And I mean that in every sense of the word. Not just a date on the calendar, but a moment to pause and truly recognize what we do, who we are, and why it matters so deeply.
Every single day, you show up. You show up for the student who comes to your office with a stomachache that turns out to be anxiety. You show up for the child managing Type 1 diabetes in a classroom where no one else really understands what that means. You show up for the family who doesn't know where else to turn. You are, in so many cases, the first line of care — and often the most trusted adult in that building.
That belief is at the heart of everything TSNO is building right now. This year, we launched our new strategic plan — grounded in our mission to enhance whole student wellness and learning by strengthening school nursing practice. Our vision is simple and uncompromising: student access to health and learning. All day. Every day. If you've ever felt like your work goes unseen or undervalued, I want you to know — that vision is written down, it is our north star, and we are working every day to make it a reality for school nurses across Texas.
Our first strategic priority is elevating this organization through deeper member engagement, because TSNO is only as strong as the connections we build with and for each other. We have exciting initiatives on the horizon — new ways to connect, grow professionally, and support one another at every stage of our careers. More on those details to come, but know that they were designed with you in mind — whether you're brand new to school nursing or have decades of wisdom to share.
At TSNO, we remain committed to fighting for what our students and our profession deserve: a fully funded, fully supported school nurse in every school, every day. That fight is ongoing at the state and federal level, and your voices — your stories, your data, your presence — are what make that advocacy possible.
You chose this work because you care. And Texas students are healthier, safer, and more ready to learn because of you.
From one school nurse to another — thank you. Happy School Nurse Day.
With pride and gratitude,
Diana Rios Rodriguez, MSN, BSN, RN
President, Texas School Nurses Organization