School Nurse

The Amherst-Pelham Regional School District is currently seeking highly qualified candidates for the position of School Nurse for Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools. This is a full-time and school year position.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Current and valid State of Massachusetts nursing license (RN).
Current and valid MA DESE School Nurse license.
Bachelor’s degree in nursing, Master’s Preferred..
Experience in school, pediatric, public health, or other relevant nursing experience
Comprehensive knowledge of school health programs, philosophy, and objectives.
Knowledge of the diverse health, social, and educational needs of students and families.
Evidence of the emotional maturity and stability necessary for the work involved.
Such additional qualifications as the Amherst Regional Schools may find appropriate and acceptable

JOB GOAL:
To promote the academic progress/success of students by assisting them to maintain, improve or adapt to their health status. To contribute significantly to the attainment of optimal health and educational potential of each student.
**Bilingual and bi-cultural candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.**

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Health Care
Performs all state mandated screening programs
Identifies specific medical needs relating to the particular health status of the student and facilitates appropriate management for the student in the school setting.
Serves as a health advocate for the student through communication with parents, health care providers, and community agencies.
Facilitates student immunization compliance per DPH regulations.
Triages students and/or staff with injury or illness and provides appropriate intervention and follow-up.
Administers medication in compliance with school policy and state regulations.
Develops and maintains, when appropriate, an individualized health care plan for each student with documented health needs.
Facilitates special nursing care for students who are technology-dependent.
Acts as a nurse educator for students, parents, and staff regarding health issues

B. Safety
Educates and promotes compliance with universal precautions.
Identifies unsafe conditions in the school setting and collaborates with the administration and school personnel towards resolution.
Collaborates with school personnel to develop and facilitate safety plans dealing with students with health conditions.

C. Education
Collaborates with staff in the development, implementation, and delivery of school health programs.
Collaborates with staff in modifying the educational program to meet health and emotional needs of individual students.
Consults with teachers regarding students’ specific health issues that may impact learning.

D. Record Keeping / Reporting
Maintains computerized medical records for each student enrolled in the district.
Maintains updated information in each student’s computer record, including immunizations and screenings.
Prepares and submits all reports mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Maintains adequate health room supplies.
Provides interpretation of health assessments and medical data for SPED evaluations.

E. Communication
Utilizes effective written, verbal, and nonverbal communication skills.
Communicates with parents, school personnel, physicians, clinics, and agencies regarding student health issues when appropriate.
Attends meetings and conferences regarding health services and professional development.
Maintains a positive environment in the health room and in communication with students, parents, staff, agencies and administrators.
Interprets school health regulations to school administrators, staff, and parents.
Attends scheduled health services staff meetings.
Identifies community resources for appropriate referrals.C
Carries out home visits when indicated for the effective management of health concerns.

F. Professionalism
Participates in professional development.
Maintains contemporary knowledge base to provide care to students and staff.
Performs all scheduled duties and responsibilities within expected time frames.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to assist students perform tasks, speak to deliver instruction and behavioral directives, and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee may also be required to use physical interventions to maintain the safety of students.