A distinguished nursing educator from Ohio’s Franklin University has been named the National School Nurse Educator of the Year, a top honor that recognizes her significant impact on school nursing, public health preparedness, and professional leadership across the country. Dr. Patricia Endsley, a lead faculty member for nursing programs at the university, will receive the prestigious award from the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) for her extensive contributions to the field.
The award highlights a career dedicated to advancing the standards of school nursing, a profession that has become increasingly critical to the American healthcare and education systems. Dr. Endsley, who also serves as the president-elect of the NASN, will be formally recognized at the organization's annual conference in Las Vegas this June.
Franklin University representatives stated that Dr. Endsley’s accomplishments exemplify the expertise and industry engagement that define the institution's faculty. They noted that her work in education, research, and national advocacy ensures students are learning from a professional who is actively shaping the future of American healthcare.
The evolving role of school nurses
The recognition comes at a time when the role of the school nurse has expanded far beyond attending to minor injuries. Today, school nurses are on the front lines of public health, managing students' chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma, providing vital mental health support, and administering necessary medications. They are often the primary healthcare provider that many children, particularly in underserved communities, see on a regular basis.
Throughout the country, school nurses are instrumental in developing and implementing health policies that affect millions of students. According to the National Association of School Nurses, these professionals work to remove health barriers to learning, promoting educational success and lifelong achievement. Their responsibilities include disease prevention, health screenings, and emergency preparedness, making them a cornerstone of student well-being and school safety. The importance of this role has been underscored in recent years by public health crises and a growing focus on student mental and physical health in schools.
As educators and leaders, figures like Dr. Endsley are pivotal in preparing the next generation of nurses for these complex challenges. Her work emphasizes the need for continuous professional growth to keep pace with the evolving demands of school health services, a topic she recently addressed at a regional conference.
A leader in research and advocacy
Dr. Endsley’s influence extends beyond the classroom and into the realms of national research and federal policy. She recently co-authored a national study published in the peer-reviewed journal Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness. The research, titled "School Nursing Emergency Response Study: A National Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Cross-Sectional Survey," examined the emergency preparedness and response capabilities of school nurses across the United States. This work provides critical data for strengthening emergency planning and public health readiness in educational settings nationwide.
Her leadership position as president-elect of the NASN has also placed her at the forefront of national advocacy for the profession. Dr. Endsley recently participated in the NASN Capitol Hill Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., an event designed to bring key issues to the attention of federal lawmakers. During the event, she met with U.S. Senator Susan Collins of Maine to discuss federal priorities for the profession.
Discussions focused on crucial topics such as nursing workforce development, bolstering school health services, and providing greater support for nurses serving in vulnerable and underserved communities. These advocacy efforts are vital for securing the resources and policies needed to ensure every student has access to a qualified school nurse. Similar efforts to support youth health and well-being have been seen in programs across the nation, including in the nation's capital. For instance, Washington D.C. recently launched new youth engagement events in tandem with changes to its teen curfew policies.
Shaping the future of nursing education
In addition to her national advocacy and research, Dr. Endsley remains a committed educator. She recently presented at the 2026 New England School Nurse Conference, where she co-facilitated a panel discussion on the importance of lifelong learning and professional development. The session guided nursing professionals on leadership growth within their careers, reflecting a core aspect of her educational philosophy.
Franklin University, a non-profit institution founded in 1902, has long been dedicated to educating working adults through online and on-campus programs. University officials said that Dr. Endsley’s national recognition reflects its commitment to providing career-focused education taught by faculty who are active contributors to their fields. This approach, they stated, ensures that academic programs remain aligned with real-world workforce needs. The university, which has a legacy of adapting to the needs of adult learners, stands as a notable institution in the higher education landscape, much like other historic schools such as the ultimate guide to Dunedin schools: zones, deciles, and choosing the right one.
By integrating current industry knowledge and national-level expertise directly into the curriculum, faculty members like Dr. Endsley equip students with the skills necessary to become leaders in an ever-changing healthcare environment. Her award is not just a personal achievement but also a recognition of the vital, often-overlooked role of school nurses in America. Such acknowledgments of professional leaders are celebrated in many sectors, including in community sports, as seen with national awards that celebrate innovators in local athletics.
Dr. Endsley will officially accept the School Nurse Educator of the Year award during the National Association of School Nurses Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, in June.
