Release Date: 10/21/2019
Expiration Date: 10/21/2022
Originally presented at the NASN2019 Annual Conference.

Cost: Free for NASN members and non-members!

Program Overview
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is estimated to occur in as many as 2 out of 100 children and adolescents (CDC, 2018). It may occur gradually or after an acute illness. There is no diagnostic test for ME/CFS and diagnosis relies on identifying symptoms that occur with sufficient frequency and severity to meet a pediatric case definition. A cardinal symptom of ME/CFS is post‐exertional malaise (PEM): a worsening of symptoms triggered by activities (mental or physical) that would not have been problematic prior to the onset of ME/CFS. The relapse of these symptoms can occur up to 24 hours, or even 3‐4 days, after the exertion making it more difficult to link the fatigue to the exertion. Children exhibiting PEM will have a difficult time attending school which may lead to chronic absenteeism. ME/CFS is a long standing stigmatized disease which contributes to the majority of cases being undiagnosed. This stigma lingers in medical and educational communities. Thus, school nurses, with knowledge of ME/CFS, are in a position to improve outcomes for students. Experts in the diagnosis and management of ME/CFS will provide a panel discussion about ME/CFS and provide school nurses with the knowledge and tools to help recognize ME/CFS in the student population. Resources will be provided to share with families, students, administrators and staff members. Resources and education on will permit early intervention, referral and diagnosis, treatment and academic accommodations.

Learning Outcomes
As a result of participating in this educational activity, learners will be able to:

• Identify the symptoms exhibited by a student with ME/CFS.
• Build partnerships with community providers as a health team member to recognize and support students with ME/CFS symptoms.
• Apply knowledge gained to advocate for the needs of students with ME/CFS in the school setting.
• Utilize resources provided to educate the school community and reduce the stigma associated with ME/CFS.
• Apply the Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice^TM principles of Coordinating Care and Leadership to support students with ME/CFS.

Intended Audience
This continuing education program is a knowledge-based activity developed to meet the educational needs of registered nurses who are interested in child and adolescent health.

Faculty
Beth Mattey, MSN, RN, NCSN, FNASN
Lead School Nurse, Brandywine School District

Kenneth Friedman, PhD
Associate Professor, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Faith Newton,EdD
Professor, Delaware State University

Michael Newton,BS
Co-Owner of Cirtual

Faculty and Program Planner Disclosures
NASN must ensure that all educational session content is free of commercial bias and influence. The intent of this disclosure is to provide learners with information on which they can make their own judgments.

The nurse planner, faculty and reviewers disclose the absence of personal financial relationships with commercial interests relevant to this educational activity within the past 12 months.

Accreditation Statement
National Association of School Nurses is accredited with distinction as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Accredited status does not imply endorsement by NASN or ANCC of any commercial products discussed in this learning activity.

Commercial Support or Grant Funding
This program was created with the support of federal contract no. 75D30118C03361 issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Instructions to Complete This CNE Activity
To receive a Certificate of Completion for this course, follow the steps below, and complete and view the full content of the program including the course evaluation.

NASN will conduct an outcome assessment of a sample of participants at a later date. Please be advised that, if you complete this course, you may be asked to participate in this outcome assessment.

Step 1: Enroll in the course through the e-commerce system. Select the Purchase button. You will be directed to the e-commerce system. The item should already be in your shopping cart (look for the shopping cart icon at the top of the e-commerce web page).

Step 2: Complete and view the full content of the program. Content items are indexed at the bottom of this screen. After you enroll, you will return to this screen. The first content item will be “unlocked” so that you can begin completing the course. Subsequent items will “unlock” as you complete previous items.

Step 3: Print the certificate.