School Nurse

Purpose Statement The job of School Nurse is done for the purpose/s of assessing the health needs of student and implementing individual health care plans directed by a physician; monitoring student health care plans incorporating parent/guardian and/or physician input; ensuring health care practices comply with the laws relating to student health, providing appropriate care for ill, medically fragile, and/or injured students including parental/guardian consent; serving as a health care resource to staff; performing or coordinating mandated health screenings; dispensing prescribed medication; and identifying health issues for referral to appropriate parties for treatment and/or proper follow-up. This position serves as a key contributor within the educational team.

This job reports to Director of Student Services and Family Involvement

Essential Functions

• Administers mandated screenings or coordinates their administration with an outside provider (e.g. vision, dental, hearing, etc.) for the purpose of referring medical conditions for treatment or services and/or providing appropriate care for ill, medically fragile, and/or injured children.
• Administers first aid, medication, and nursing care for the purpose of providing appropriate care for ill, medically fragile, and/or injured children and sometimes staff.
• Assesses situations involving students safety, abuse (physical, sexual, drug, etc.), and other health related issues for the purpose of identifying problems, referring for proper treatment, and complying with legal requirements.
• Collaborates with parents, guardians, health care providers, and/or public agencies for the purpose of promoting and/or securing student health services, advising parties of changes in student health status, recommending further medical intervention, providing health related information, and/or complying with legal requirements.
• Conducts age appropriate programs and/or activities frequently in conjunction with classroom curriculum (e.g. preventative health care, nutritional workshops, etc.) for the purpose of supporting established lesson plans and/or promoting healthy school environment.
• Develops and implements individualized health plans for students with acute and/or chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, asthma, etc.) for the purpose of meeting the needs of students with chronic health problems and/or accommodation requirements; providing direction to site personnel; and/or implementing directions provided by parents and/or physicians.
• Maintains students confidential files and records (e.g. health care plans, agency referrals, accident reports, etc.) for the purpose of providing information required by legal requirements and professional standards.
• Monitors students and occasionally staff referred for illness and/or injury for the purpose of attending to their immediate health care needs and initiating follow-up care as may be indicated.
• Participates in a variety of meetings, workshops, seminars, and interdisciplinary teams for the purpose of gathering, conveying, and/or sharing information on students health needs, service delivery, and educational programs; and/or improving skills and knowledge.
• Refers students requiring additional medical attention for the purpose of providing required follow-up treatment and services.
• Reports health and safety issues to assigned administrator and appropriate agencies (e.g. fights, suspected child or substance abuse, contagious diseases, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining students personal safety, a positive learning environment, and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.
• Researches a variety of topics relating to health and medical care (e.g. nutrition, treatment protocols, childhood diseases, etc.) for the purpose of providing information to staff, students, parents, and the public.
• Responds to emergency medical situations (e.g. severe falls, prescription reactions, bleeding, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring appropriate immediate medical attention and related follow-up action.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the assigned school site.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; administering first aid; handling hazardous materials/waste; operating equipment used in clinical setting; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
• KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: health standards and hazards; safety practices and procedures; stages of child development; pediatric and family nursing practices; community health concepts; and pertinent policies, codes, regulations and/or laws.
• ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using a variety of standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; dealing with distraught, angry, or hostile individuals; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; and working with detailed information/data.

Responsibility Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the jobs functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organizations services.

Work Environment The usual and customary methods of performing the jobs functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 35% sitting, 30% walking, 35% standing. The job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience: Job related experience within a specialized field is required.

Education (Preferred): Licensed Practical Nurse preferred, or Registered Nurse required, and a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience in related area of concentration

Education: Community college and/or vocational school degree with study in job-related area.

Required Testing None Specified

Certificates and Licenses LPN or RN

Continuing Educ. / Training Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses

Clearances Criminal Background Clearance