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Cindy Begley, BSN, RN, NCSN
Nominating Committee Candidate
Current NASN Affiliate: South Dakota School Nurse Association (SDSNA)
Major Clinical, Teaching, or Practice Area: School Nurse, Elementary, Secondary
Education: South Dakota State University, Nursing, BSN/1976
Awards, Achievements, and Honors: South Dakota School Nurse of Excellence, 2020; South Dakota NBCSN Liaison, 2020 - Present; SETT Instructor, 2018 - Present; NBCSN Certification, 2017 - Present; ESRN SD, 2015; NBCEN, 1997 - 2001
Employment: School Nurse Pre K-12, Rapid City Catholic Schools System, 2022 - Present; Substitute School Nurse, Douglas School District, 2021 - Present; UMA instructor Coordinator/Instructor, 2015 - Present; School Nurse, Rapid City Area Schools (RCAS), 2002 - 2021
Other Significant Positions Held: RCAS Nurses Co-coordinator, 2019-2020; Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor, 2004 - 2016; TNCC Instructor, 2003 - 2016
Present NASN Offices/Appointments: NA
Past NASN Offices/Appointments: NASN Fundraising Committee, 2018 - 2021; South Dakota Director to NASN, 2017 - 2021; Nominating Committee (1-year appointment), 2018 - 2019
Present NASN Affiliate Offices/Appointments: SDSNA Fundraising Committee, 2020, 2022; SDSNA Nominating Committee, 2016 - 2022; SDSNA Conference Planning Committee, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022; SDSNA Legislative Committee, 2014 - Current
Past NASN Affiliate Offices/Appointments: SDSNA President, 2014 - 2016; SDSNA President-Elect, 2013 - 2014; School Nurse of Excellence Committee Coordinator, 2021; SDSNA School Nurse of Excellence Committee Member, 2019
Present Offices/Appointments in Other Associations: Private, Independent & Parochial School Nurse Community Member, 2022 - Present; Special Needs School Nurse Community Member, 2015 - Present
Past Offices/Appointments in Other Associations: NA
Publications Significant to School Nursing:
- National Association of School Nurses. (2021). The Behavioral Health and Wellness of Students [Position Statement]. Author.
- National Association of School Nurses. (2019). School-sponsored trips -The role of the school nurse (Position Statement). Silver Spring, MD: Author.
- National Association of School Nurses. (2019). Emergency Preparedness (Position Statement). Silver Spring, MD: Author
- National Association of School Nurses. (2018). Do not attempt resuscitation—The role of the school nurse (Position Statement). Silver Spring, MD: Author.
- Time magazine. “School Nurses Fear a Coronavirus Surge as Students and Staff Return from Winter Break” by Katie Reilly. 2021. https://time.com/5926043/school-nursescoronavirus/
Presentations Significant to School Nursing: NA
Research Significant to School Nursing: NA
Statement of View: When I was asked if I was interested in running for the Nominations Committee, my first thought was to decline. Having served a one-year term in the Nominations Committee during my years as the SD NASN Director, I know that it can be challenging to find competent persons who are willing to say “yes” to a commitment to serve. My hesitation- and that of others-was likely enhanced because of dealing with the realities of COVID for the past few years, and the burnout, fatigue, and additional responsibilities we have experienced. But I recognize that COVID has also been a catalyst to encourage the emergence of strong leaders.
In every state, School Nurses have responded to and have met the needs placed on them. Not only have the ramifications of this virus been overwhelming, but nurses have had to answer to the needs of diverse populations including Indigenous peoples, marginalized students and families, LGBTQ+ students, documented and undocumented migrants, and students with mental health and socio-economic challenges, while still practicing basic nursing skills and completing all documentation. The impact of natural disasters, environmental challenges, and school violence are also areas to which school nurses must be ready to encounter. Each of these presents unique demands that are addressed by NASN leadership. The challenge can be daunting. My purpose in running is to discover and encourage nurses who have experience in these areas, nurses who may need a nudge to recognize their strengths and come forward, but who have already been leaders in their own districts. We need nurses to share their knowledge and talents and to appreciate how much they offer to the rest of us. I will strive to help them identify these traits and say to say “yes” when asked.
I appreciate your vote of support. Thank you.
This Nominating Committee candidate completed the Nominating Committee process.