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Francis Luna, MSN, RN, NCSN
Vice President Candidate
Current NASN Affiliate: Texas School Nurse Organization (TSNO)
Major Clinical, Teaching, or Practice Area: Cluster Leader, School Nurse - Elementary and Secondary
Education: University of Texas at Arlington, Nursing Administration, MSN, 2019; University of Texas at Arlington, Nursing, BSN, 2017; Texarkana College, Nursing, ADN, 2001
Awards, Achievements, and Honors: NASN Vice President, 2022 - Present; Nationally Certified School Nurse (NCSN), 2017 - Present; Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, 2017 - Present; Texas School Nurse of the Year, 2022; Region IV TSNO President Award, 2021; Good Samaritan Foundation Excellence in Nursing Award, 2020; D Magazine’s Excellence in Nursing Award, 2019; NASN Washington Internship Scholarship Recipient,2019; Texas Nurses Foundation Advocacy Scholarship Award, 2018; Garland Independent School District Education Foundation Scholarship Award, 2018; Garland Independent School District Excellence Award, 2016, 2017 & 2019; NASN RN-BSN Scholarship Award, 2015
Number of Years in School Nursing: 21 years
Employment: Garland Independent School District, School Nurse and Cluster Leader, 2008 -Present: I currently incorporate the NASN Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice, School Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, and the NASN School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text in providing student-centered school nursing care and school health education for students, families, and the school community at a Title I elementary school in Garland Independent School District, Garland, TX. I also provide nursing leadership for 20 Cluster II school nurses. The responsibility at the elementary school includes the implementation of a robust school health program which will assist students in supporting their safety, optimal health, and academic success by providing a healthy and safe school environment. I connect students and their parents with other collaborative partnerships in providing enhanced student health services by way of telehealth, dental and vision services,student health education, healthcare referrals and social services all to improve student health outcomes which transforms to optimal academic learning.
Other Significant Positions Held: Staff Nurse, Timberlawn Behavior Health System, Dallas, TX, 2012 - 2014; Staff Nurse, Living Hope Psychiatric Hospital, Texarkana, TX, 2007 - 2008; School Nurse, Atlanta Independent School District, Atlanta, TX, 2001 - 2008
Present NASN Offices/Appointments: NASN Vice President, 2022 - 2024; NASN Strategic Committee Co-Chair: Membership, 2022 - 2024
Past NASN Offices/Appointments: NASN Executive Committee Elected-Member, 2019 - 2021; NASN Strategic Committee Co-Chair: Education and School Nurse Practice, 2019 - 2021
Present NASN Affiliate Offices/Appointments: NA
Past NASN Affiliate Offices/Appointments: NASN-TX Director, 2017 - 2022; TSNO Past-President, 2014 - 2016
Present Offices/Appointments in Other Associations: National Board of Certified School Nurses (NBCSN) - NASN Liaison, 2022 - 2024
Past Offices/Appointments in Other Associations: Texas Board of Nursing, Nursing Practice Advisory Committee, 2017 - 2018; Texas Nurses Association, COVID-19 Task Force, 2020 - 2022
Publications Significant to School Nursing:
- Less, C., Luna, F., Bruch, K.A., & Heiman, M. (2019). School Health Services Team Supporting Student Outcomes. National Association of School Nurses, Position Statement. https://www.nasn.org/nasn/advocacy/professional-practice-documents/position-statements/ps-team
- Luna, F., & Ondeck, L. (2018). Skin Cancer, Prevention of due to Ultraviolet Ray Exposure – The Role of the School Nurse. National Association of School Nurses, Position Statement. https://www.nasn.org/nasn/advocacy/professional-practice-documents/position-statements/ps-skin-cancer
- Meadows, L.P., Griffin, C., Luna, F., Maughan, E., Peiffer, C., & Wysocki, R. (2019). Electronic Health Records: An Essential Tool for School Nurses to Keep Students Health. National Association of School Nurses, Position Statement. https://www.nasn.org/nasn/advocacy/professional-practice-documents/position-statements/ps-electronic-health-records
Participation in Publication Review:
- Brar. K., Singh, A., De Guzman, N., & Aquino, M. (2023). Atopic Dermatitis: Diagnosis, Disparity, and Management in Children of Color. NASN School Nurse, 38(2), 56-61. https://doi-org.ezproxy.uta.edu/10.1177/1942602X221147033
- Caldwell S. (2023). Springing in Your “Cleanup” Journey. NASN School Nurse, 38(2), 68-70. https://doi:10.1177/1942602X231153173
- Pennington B. (2023). Changing Roles of the State School Nurse Consultants: How the Pandemic Has Accentuated Their Value and Visibility. NASN School Nurse, 38(1), 17-19. https://doi:10.1177/1942602X221109615
- Schatz, M., & Bergren, M.D. (2022). The Huddle: A Daily Dose of Communication. NASN School Nurse, 37(2), 76-78. https://10.1177/1942602X211056371
- Tucker, J., Schlueter, D., & Olympia, R.P. (2022) School Nurses on the Front Lines of Health Care: Clinical Presentations Associated with COVID-19 Infection. NASN School Nurse, 37(4), 190-196. https://10.1177/1942602X221096342
Presentations Significant to School Nursing:
- Benton, K., Combe, L., Luna, F., & Wheeler, A. (2022). Protecting Students Through Safe Delegation Decision Making. Presented at Texas School Nurses Organization conference, Houston, TX.
- Benton, K., Combe, L., Luna, F., & Wheeler, A. (2021). Student-Centered Systems Change: Activating the Framework. Presented at the 2021 NASN Conference.
- Del Bosque, A., & Luna, F. (2022). Transitioning to School Nursing - Orientation. Presented at Education Service Center One, Edinburg, TX.
- Del Bosque, A., & Luna, F. (2022). Section 504 – The Role of the School Nurse. Presented at Education Service Center 6, Huntsville, TX.
- Luna, F., Del Bosque, A. & Bunting, D. (2019). Navigating School Nursing Practice with the Six Step Model. Presented at the Texas School Nurses Organization conference, San Antonio, TX.
Research Significant to School Nursing: Benton, K., Combe, L., Luna, F., & Wheeler, A. (2021). Student-Centered Systems Change: Activating the Framework. Texas Board of Nursing.
Participation in Data Collection: I have participated in the collection of data for the NASN Every Student Counts! At the state level, I have collaborated with the state data champions in developing an awareness and action campaign for school nurses to collect date for Every Student Counts. In my school district, I collected data by utilizing the nursing process to better understand the surrounding environment where students live, play, and grow. I collected data from the United States Census Bureau, County Health Rankings, including demographics,chronic student illness, and absenteeism of the student population. Healthcare equity was identified as a critical priority. Increased student absenteeism, and rising visits to the local emergency rooms were due to lack of healthcare coverage and having no medical homes. In collaboration with external partnerships and stakeholders telehealth services was provided in the school Health Clinic with no cost to families.
Statement of View: I support the NASN’s mission and vision statements, along with the NASN Strategic Plan for it embodies essential goals that advance evidence-based student health and school nursing practices. My narrative will be grounded in the utilization of the NASN Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice, School Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, and School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text for all are foundational resources in the specialty and professional expectations. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) considerations are essential in molding and advancing our organization, bringing unique perspectives and life experiences to the table.
As a nurse leader of Hispanic origin, I will continue to lead to the sustainability, resiliency, and innovation in the advancement of NASN, forging ahead with new achievements in alignment with the mission and vision of our specialized nursing organization. My DEI perspective encourages all to be seen and heard,giving strength, and value to the decision-making process. My leadership experience guides my creativity and passion for the future, refining strategies where needed to positively impact student health, school nursing practice, facilitate data collection, promote advocacy, and encourage robust DEI conversations. My vision is to work relentlessly for all students to have a school nurse, all day, every day. My detailed organizational skills, robust school nursing experience, and open mindset will help NASN to continue membership growth, advocacy,communication, networking, partnerships, resources, and programs. As a life-long learner and change agent, my background and work as a NASN/TSNO member for many years are assets I treasure.
With your vote supporting my vision as Vice-President, I can continue to provide the collaboration needed with fellow NASN members, staff, and other organizations, to improve school health, and school nursing practices. I humbly ask for your continued support.
This Vice President candidate completed the Nominating Committee process.