School Nurse

Description

REPORTS TO: Director of Health Center 

SCHEDULE: 10-month, non-exempt position

FUNCTION OF POSITION: Under the direction of the Director of the Richmond Health Center, will work with a team of health professionals, faculty, and student populations. The nurse provides primary and episodic health care for boarding and day students in an academic environment, and provides a pivotal role in the health maintenance, health education, and prevention and management of acute and chronic illnesses. The nurse provides this care by assessing and managing the physical, emotional, and social needs of the adolescent population to help students attain their optimal level of health and wellness. This role provides 24-hour call coverage during the school year.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides primary, acute, and chronic nursing care for diverse child and adolescent populations in the Health Center. This involves acute care of illnesses and injuries, as well as complex medical and emotional conditions that require significant monitoring and care. This involves developing and maintaining current health care plans. This population involves caring for students in the full academic year program. 
2. Promotes health and disease prevention by providing primary care, education, and evaluation as well as follow-up.
3. Assesses, triages, and cares for students who present to the Health Center with complaints of illness, injury or emotional distress in an infirmary setting. Follows policies and procedures according to State Infirmary Health Code Laws.
4. Reports student excuses and absences for Health Center visits through computerized attendance program.
5. Coordinates medical and psychological services with off campus health care providers through scheduling, communication, and implementation of follow up care needed. This process involves frequent telephone and email communication with a variety of medical and psychological health care providers and the students' families to implement, monitor, and evaluate individual students' nursing and medical care plans.
6. Coordinates with Health Center drivers for student medical appointments.
7. Completes and manages International Student Health Insurance for those who need it and process claim forms as necessary.
8. Medication Management: Administers documents, manages supplies and refills, monitors for effectiveness of medication and safely stores all prescription (including controlled substances), international, and over-the-counter medications required for student care.
9. Maintains medical records of all students and of all Health Center visits, utilizing electronic medical charting and documentation, to assure compliance with state mandates involving immunizations, physical examinations, and medical conditions and nursing care. This process involves review of medical records and medical registration forms during the 12-month period, due to registration needs for the fall academic program, mid-year registration program and summer school program.
10. Administers state supplied immunizations and influenza vaccinations to students when necessary, according to public health codes and maintains necessary medical documentation. Monitors immunizations per State Immunization Program policies and procedures. May assist in administering influenza vaccinations to employees.
11. Provides and is responsible for on-call medical and nursing needs that arise when the Health Center is closed and to determine when the need is warranted to send the student off campus for emergent services. This on-call responsibility is 24 hours when the Health Center is closed and school is in session for both the full year academic program and summer school programs. This on-call responsibility is shared with other Cheshire Academy RN colleagues.
12. Provides first aid for employees if injured at work and documentation of OSHA workman's compensation claims. Forwards documentation to the Business Office.
13. Maintains therapeutic trusting and confidential relationships with students, faculty, and staff.
14. Participates as member of the multidisciplinary team in the identification, implementation, and evaluation of individual's plan of care for students and staff as needed. This involves interdisciplinary consultation and frequent communication through telephone conversations, email correspondence and in person communication to address the needs of both the students and staff.
15. Provides health information, education and counseling for students, parents, and staff daily.
16. Performs, interprets, and processes urine screenings on students by request from the Community Life/Deans' Office and student health contracts. Sends to outside lab if indicated.
17. Makes appropriate assessments and referrals for suspected abuse/neglect as a mandated reporter.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program; and a minimum of three years in nursing, school health or related field with a preference for pediatrics.
• Valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Connecticut; meets continuing education requirements as established by the state board of nursing. 
• Familiarity with healthcare technology, including health records management and case management software; Magnus experience preferred.
• Personal and professional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and interest in creating an inclusive experience for all Cheshire Academy constituents.
• Weekend and evening work may be required as needed.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to demonstrate exceptional judgment, integrity, and confidentiality and a strong commitment to meeting the needs of each child and family. 
• Excellent technical, communication and organizational skills; strong interpersonal skills, a warm demeanor 
• Ability to interact positively with all members of the community. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty and parents to enhance student wellness and achieve common goals. 

THIS POSITION IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR SCHOOL PROVIDED HOUSING