Registered Nurse

CAPS Collaborative is accepting applications for the position of School Nurse in our Kelly Day Program at Ruggles Lane Elementary School in Barre, MA. We are seeking an energetic and enthusiastic person to join our educational team. Candidates for this position should have experience in pediatrics, school health and/or skilled nursing. Candidates should hold an RN certification with BSN. The hours are school day, school year with additional summer hours available.

About us:

CAPS Collaborative will work in partnership with districts to provide programs and services of the highest quality. To provide these services, we adhere to the following values:

• To commit every aspect of the organization to providing exceptional educational opportunities for students.
• To demonstrate quality and responsiveness by becoming the first choice of districts for programs and services.
• To be a customer-focused organization that constantly evaluates district needs.
• To integrate quality, integrity, respect, and teamwork into every aspect of the organization.
• To demonstrate accountability through constantly evaluating results and progress toward goals.
• To implement programs and services in the most cost-effective manner and to exercise due diligence in financial decision making.
• We will work in partnership with districts to ensure that students transition to the least restrictive environment in their home school district.

About the role:

Manage the school health program consistent with the guidelines, regulations and statutes governing school health.

Responsibilities:

• Assess and evaluate student health:
• Screenings - yearly, when appropriate vision, hearing, scoliosis, height and weight (and as needed for students with nutritional issues), vital signs when appropriate.
• Review and update Immunization status.
• Collect and maintain Health Records according to state law and school policy via computer and paper files.
• Obtain a record of physical and/or dental examinations as recommended by DPH/School Health Unit.
• Provide follow up for all students who fail screenings or have health problems.
• Visit program classrooms several times a day and as needed.

• Coordinate Health Services with Community Health Programs:
• Contact Physicians, Dentists and agencies serving CAPS students.
• Utilize community resources.

• Promote Programs for prevention and control of diseases:
• Parent and Teacher meetings/trainings.
• Guest speakers for staff in services when requested.
• Utilize available resources, Red Cross, Pro Health, Pediatricians, etc.

• Observe school facilities and recommend modifications necessary to maintain optimum health and safety for students and school personnel in accordance with the Center of Disease Control.

• Provide emergency care in cases of injury or sudden illness.
  • Teach CPR and First Aid Course for staff.

• Instruct, supervise and carryout medical procedures to be performed on students, including but not limited to:
  • Gastrostomy tube feedings.
  • Catheterizations.
  • Nebulizer treatments.
  • Suction.
  • Seizure protocols.

• • Act as a resource to staff, parents and students regarding health, safety and nutrition.
  • Attend I.E.P. meetings for students.
  • Write Health Reports for IEP meetings.
  • Make home visits when necessary.

• Conduct In-service programs for staff and students upon request.

• Respond to frequently encountered health problems.

• Write Health Care Plans for all Students, as needed.
• Attend area workshops/conferences to promote professional goals.
• Report to Program Coordinators any medical information in regards to students, i.e. student dismissal, seizures, bruises, illness, etc., as well as any classroom staff issues.
• Excellent knowledge of nursing assessment and nursing diagnosis, pediatric health issues including care of technology dependent students, nursing principles, interventions and techniques and their relation to medical practices and promote quality assurance in nursing practice.
• Knowledge of child development, current health issues, developmentally age appropriate health risk factors, mental health issues, chronic and acute health conditions, current health practice, legislative issues, current laws associated with student educational placement, infection control, universal health precautions and personal hygiene.
• Follow-up on student absences.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to initiate and respond to students, teachers, parents, staff, administrators and other health and educational professionals.
• Ability to plan, direct, and supervise licensed personnel and non professional health personnel.
• Maintain professional boundaries and ensure student/staff confidentiality as appropriate within the educational Team
• Contribute to professional growth and collaboration by staying informed on current literature/resources in the field and actively participating in staff meetings and professional development opportunities
• Assume other responsibilities which may be deemed important by the Executive Director.

Candidate requirements:

• Hold current MA Nursing license with BSN.

• Demonstrate professional conduct.
• Cope with the mental, emotional and physical stresses of the position.
• Relate to and work with ill, disabled, emotionally upset or injured students or staff.
• Be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.
• Be able to read, write, speak and comprehend the English language.
• Possess the ability to effectively work with staff, students, family members, visitors, governmental representatives, and the general public; demonstrate flexibility, tact, patience, and enthusiasm in working with students and staff.
• Possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Be willing to seek out new methods and principles and incorporate them into existing practices.