School Nurse

Position Title: School NurseLocation: R.W. Traip AcademyReports To: Principal, Jane DurginPosition Start Date: August 28, 2024Required Certification: Registered Nurse and School Nurse endorsement with the Maine Department of Education (or certifiable in the State of Maine)Application Deadline: Open until a suitable candidate is selectedGeneral Purpose: The school nurse is a registered professional nurse certified with the Maine Department of Education working in the school setting who strengthens and facilitates the educational process by improving and protecting the health of children.The major focus of school nursing services is the prevention of illness, disability, and the early detection and correction of health problems. The school nurse is uniquely qualified in preventive health, health assessment, and referral procedures.Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities: Provide health assessmentsObtains a health and developmental historyScreens and evaluates findings for deficits in vision, hearing, etc.Observes the child for development and health patterns in making a nursing assessment and nursing diagnosisIdentifies health findings which do not fall within the normal rangeAssists with physical examinations when conducted in the schoolDevelops and implements a health plan Interprets the health status of pupils to school personnelInitiates referrals to parents, school personnel and community health resources for intervention, remediation and follow throughProvides ongoing health information to pupils, parents, school personnel and health agenciesRecommends and helps to implement modifications of school programs to meet students health needsUtilizes existing health resources to provide appropriate care of pupilsMaintains, evaluates and interprets cumulative health data to accommodate individual needs of studentsParticipates as the health specialist on the child education evaluation team to develop the health individualized educational plan (I.E.P.)Plans and implements school health management protocols for the child with chronic health problems, including the administration of medicationDevelops procedures and provides for crises intervention for acute illness, injury, and mental health issuesPromotes and assists in the control of communicable diseases through preventive immunization programs, early detection, surveillance, and reporting of contagious diseasesProvides information on healthProvides health information to assist students and families in making health-related decisionsParticipates in health education directly and indirectly for the improvement of health by teaching students/families to become more assertive health consumers and to assume greater responsibility for their own healthProvides information to adolescents concerning health problems in order to encourage responsible decision-making practicesServes as a resource person to the classroom teacher and administrator in health instruction and as a member of the Wellness CommitteeCoordinates school and community health activities and serves as a liaison among home, school, and communityEngages in research and evaluation of school health services to act as a change agent for school health programs and school nursing practicesAssists in the formation of health policies, goals, and objectives for the school unitResponsible for maintaining and updating cumulative health recordsHelps develop/revise school health policies and proceduresPrepares the budget for school health suppliesPrepares first aid kits and crisis bags for each buildingReports regularly in writing to the principal and superintendent on school health activities Education and Experience: Current license to practice professional nursing in MaineThree years of experience as a professional registered nurseCertification as required by the Department of EducationBachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)Knowledge of relevant technology Key Competencies: Self motivationHigh energy levelVerbal and written communication skillsAttention to detailHigh work standardsProblem solvingDecision makingOrganizing and planningStress toleranceFlexibilityAdaptabilityInitiativeAbility to work collaboratively with others Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here 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.The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, stoop, kneel, and crouch.The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.There may be physical demands based on physical, emotional and cognitive needs of particular children You must be able to pass a background test through the State of Maine Education Department.

Required Application Materials: Completed Applitrack ApplicationResumeCover LetterTranscriptsUnofficial transcripts are acceptable for initial application; Official transcripts will be required upon job offer.A copy of current certification3 current letters of referenceLetters of reference must be dated, signed, and written within the last 3 yearsInternal candidates may apply in writing to humanresources@kitteryschools.comKittery Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Kittery Schools ensure equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Kittery Schools has a policy of active recruitment of qualified minority teachers and non-certified employees. Any individual needing assistance in making an application for any opening should contact the Department of Human Resources.