Registered Nurse

Position: Registered Nurse

Campus: Dunbar Middle School

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Immediate Supervisor(s): Campus Principal, Lead Nurse

Pay Grade: Per Compensation Manual

Days Employed: Per Compensation Manual

POSITION SUMMARY:

• Oversee school health policies and programs
• Provide expertise and oversight for the provision of school health services and promotion of health education
• Provide health care to students and staff
• Perform health screenings
• Coordinate referrals to public medical or private healthcare providers
• Serve as a liaison between school personnel, family, community, and healthcare providers to advocate for health care and a healthy school environment

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Graduate of an accredited professional nursing education program
• Valid registered nurse license to practice professional nursing in Texas from the State Board of Nurse Examiners
• Certified by Texas Department of Health to conduct vision and hearing screening
• CPR Certification

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong knowledge of physical health assessment to identify student health defects
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to implement policies and procedures

Experience:

• Minimum of three years experience in public health nursing, community health nursing, school health nursing or pediatric nursing preferred

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Nursing Services:

• Provide temporary and emergency care for sick and injured students or staff according to district policy and procedures
• Serve as a health advocate for students
• Notify parents of an accident or illness and secure medical care for students in emergency cases
• Coordinate management system to administer medications to students at school
• Administer medications according to district policy and procedures
• Perform screening procedures as required by the Texas Department of Health, Texas Educational Agency, and district policy
• Make/followup on health care referrals
• Develop and coordinate continuing education of campus health programs and make changes based on findings

Instruction:

• Participate in the development of campus health education curriculum and provide health education to individuals and groups
• Provide health counseling and instruction to students

Consultation:

• Serve as health liaison between school, physicians, parents, and community
• Assess student problems and make appropriate referrals working with students, teachers, parents, and medical and health care professionals
• Participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committees, the crisis team, and school committees
• Participate in the assessment and reporting of suspected child abuse
• Make home visits to assist with student health concerns with the permission of the Principal
• Communicate regularly with the Principal and Nurse Coordinator regarding health services issues

Administration:

• Review and evaluate immunization records
• Enforce procedures to ensure proper program administration according to district policy
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required, including clinic records and accurate, updated health records on all students
• Requisition supplies and equipment needed to maintain clinic inventory
• Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, Texas Department of Health rule, State Board of Education rule, and board policy in the health services area
• Report potential health and safety hazards to the Principal and Nurse Coordinator
• Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations

Professional Development:

• Maintain certification in CPR, vision and hearing screening, acanthosis nigricans, and spinal screening
• Participate in annual professional development courses pertaining to school health
• Model behavior that is prudent, professional, ethical, and responsible

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands / Physical Demands / Environmental Factors / Physical Requirements:

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to maneuver students with significantly impaired mobility (e.g. use a Hoyer-type lift, conduct wheelchair/hospital bed transfers, load students on to a bus lift)
• Frequent walking/standing for long periods of time that will include kneeling/squatting/bending/stooping, pushing/pulling and twisting

EVALUATIONS:

• Performance of this position will be evaluated annually