School Nurse Huddle

In this powerful episode of the School Nurse Huddle, host Lisell Zuñiga sits down with the inspiring Gloria E. Barrera, a school nurse leader and policy advocate, to dive into the groundbreaking work behind the Illinois School Nurse Capacity Study.

Gloria shares her personal nursing journey—from her early calling to her influential role as the Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN) President—and the pivotal moments that led to launching a statewide initiative to address school nurse staffing disparities.

💡 In this episode, you’ll discover:
✅ The story behind the Illinois School Nurse Capacity Study and why it matters
✅ The challenges and victories of getting HB5601 off the ground
✅ How grassroots advocacy and strategic partnerships helped drive momentum
✅ Gloria’s vision for school nursing at the national level as she runs for NASN President-Elect

🎯 Don't miss this behind-the-scenes look at the future of school nursing and the impact of policy-driven change.

👉 Follow and share with fellow school nurses and advocates!
📲 Stay connected: @SchoolNurseAdmin on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Connect with Gloria at [email protected]

🔊 Next episode: Dr. Eileen Moss joins us to explore the ongoing impact of the School Nurse Capacity Study and what’s next at NASN 2025!🎧 Tune in now and keep advocating, keep leading, and take care!

It’s finally here!  In this exciting debut episode, Lisell Zuñiga—award-winning school nurse leader and fierce health advocate—opens up about her personal journey, from a hesitant flu vaccine nurse to a powerhouse in school health leadership. She’s getting real about the challenges, the wins, and the lessons learned along the way.

But that’s not all—this podcast is all about YOU! School nurses are the backbone of our schools, and Lisell is here to empower and unite the school nurse community. Expect candid conversations about leadership, advocacy, mentorship, and health equity. Whether you’re a new school nurse or a seasoned pro, this is your space to connect, grow, and make a difference.

 Plus, Lisell starts the conversation on the groundbreaking Illinois bill HB5601 and why it could change the future of school nursing. You won’t want to miss it!

 Tune in, get inspired, and let’s build a stronger school nurse community together!

I'm Lisell Zuñiga, BSN, RN, PEL-CSN, a leader in school health administration and advocate for student wellness. I oversee health services across 21 schools, fostering safe and healthy educational environments.

Join me on the School Nurse Huddle podcast, where we explore school nursing, community health, advocacy, leadership, growth, and school safety. Each episode features insightful conversations and expert advice, celebrating the vital role of school nurses in promoting student well-being. Whether you're experienced or new, tune in to connect, empower, and inspire your journey in school health. Let's grow together—one huddle at a time!

Stay connected by following me on social media:Linktree: the_school_nurse_admin