JOB GOAL: To manage a health services program for the Dedham Public Schools which fosters the development of a sound mind in a healthy body of every student, providing them an optimal opportunity for academic success and life-long achievement. .
QUALIFICATIONS:
Valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts
A bachelor's or master's degree of nursing
Experience as a Registered Nurse in a child health, community health, or other relevant clinical nursing setting. Prior experience as a pediatric nurse and/or school nurse preferred
Current, or ability to obtain licensure as a School Nurse (all levels), by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Current CPR certification
Bi- or multi-lingual (specifically Spanish), preferred
REPORTS TO: Director of Health Services and Building Principal
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide first aid, emergency, primary care and nursing procedures for injuries, illnesses and mental health needs for the school population.
Assess and evaluate students' health status
Administer and/or supervise the administration of medication to students according to district protocols and state regulations, including delegation as appropriate.
Organize and implement annual mandated screenings (vision, hearing, height/weight, postural and SBIRT), according to grade level, as required by MA DPH; carry out appropriate referrals and follow-up.
Participate in student support and special education meetings, providing medical input or consultation as needed.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary school and district staff, including (but not limited to) RNs, LPNs (where assigned), counselors, school psychologists, administration, teachers, interpreters, administrative assistants, food service and custodians.
Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation through an electronic health record.
Counsel and/or educate students concerning medical issues.
Monitor and follow up on compliance with state immunization and physical exam requirements, and complete required annual reports.
Maintain appropriate confidentiality with respect to student and staff medical and personal information in accordance to FERPA regulations; share information with appropriate school personnel as needed to maintain student safety.
Develop and implement individual health care plans and emergency action plans for medically complex students (including field trips).
Identify health causes for absenteeism and contribute to school plans to decrease absenteeism wherever possible.
Serve as liaison between the home, medical community, and the school regarding student health concerns.
Monitor the school environment and recommend changes to promote health and safety.
Observe all health regulations, policies, protocols and procedures of the district, DPH and DESE.
Attend professional development and departmental meetings
Review and evaluate own job performance and develop appropriate goals and objectives.
Conduct formal and informal staff training on school-wide and student-specific health issues, as appropriate.
Work with community agencies, physicians and other health care providers as necessary.
Communicate and collaborate with families regarding the health status and needs of their children.
Participate in the identification of, and assist in, the removal of health-related barriers to learning in individual students
Serve as a member of pertinent committees and teams supporting the school community.
Other duties as assigned by the Director of Health Services.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT & SALARY :
This position is covered by the Unit A Collective Bargaining Agreement between the DEA Dedham Education Association and the Dedham School Committee.