Job Title:         School Nurse                                                         

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to:      Principal/District Nurse                                       

Pay Grade:      Teacher Pay Scale

Dept. /School:  Assigned Campus TBD                                   

Date Revised:   October 2021

Position Begins on January 5, 2022 (Spring Semester)

Primary Purpose:

Provide health services that best meet the needs of the student population on the assigned campus. Promote health and safety education for students and preventive health practices for students.

Qualifications:

      Education/Certification:

• Graduate of an accredited professional nursing education program
• Valid registered nurse license from the State Board of Nursing
• Current automatic external defibrillator (AED) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificates
• Certified by Texas Department of Health to conduct vision and hearing screening

       Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of health appraisal to identify student health defects
• Ability to implement policies and procedures
• Knowledge of basic first aid
• Proficient keyboarding and file maintenance skills
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

       Experience:

     Two years of nursing experience, preferably in community health

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Nursing Services

1. Provide direct care utilizing professional assessment skills, the nursing process, and established school health protocols. At times this may include g-button feedings, sterile catheterizations, etc. Provide health counseling and instruction to individual students.
2. Assess student problems, communicate with parents regarding individual students, and ensure appropriate referrals and follow-up as needed. Serve as a liaison between school personnel, the family, healthcare professionals, and the community.
3. Notify parents of accidents or illnesses and secure medical care for students as needed.
4. Coordinate management system to administer medications to students at school. Administer medications according to district policy and procedures.
5. Develop and implement individualized healthcare plans (IHPs) and evaluate outcomes of skilled and direct nursing care and procedures for medically fragile students to ensure safe integration of the student into the school environment.
6. Serve as a health advocate for students.
7. Establish and implement effective procedures for mandatory screening programs. Make referrals as necessary.
8. Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the campus health program and make changes based on findings.
9. Maintain AED(s) on campus.

Instruction

1. Participate in the development of campus health education curriculum, educate faculty and staff as needed on health-related topics, and provide health education to individuals and groups including contributing to campus communications to parents and the local community regarding health issues.
2. Provide health counseling and instruction to individual students.

Consultation

1. Serve as a member of the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC).
2. Collaborate closely with campus principal and other staff and provide leadership to ensure a healthy school environment. Work to meet the health needs of the general school population and those students with identified health conditions.
3. Participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee (ARD) meetings of students with identified health needs and develop Individual Health Plans (IHPs). Work with district personnel regarding the implementation of IEP goals and services.
4. Advise campus administration in crisis or emergency situations and participate in assessment and reporting of suspected child abuse. Assist other campuses as needed during a crisis or emergency situation.

Administration

1. Review and evaluate immunization records.
2. Supervise or help train health aide(s) in-clinic procedures and responsibilities according to district policy.
3. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required, including clinic records and accurate, updated health records on all students.
4. Requisition supplies and equipment needed to maintain clinic inventory.
5. Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, Texas Department of Health rule, State Board of Education rule, and board policy. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations
6. Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, Texas Department of Health rule, State Board of Education rule, and board policy in the area of health services.
7. Report potential health and safety hazards to the principal.
8. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.

Professional Development

1. Maintain certification in CPR, AED, vision and hearing screening, and as a health screener.
2. Model behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.
3. Maintain confidentiality in the conduct of district business.
4. Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance.
5. Other duties as assigned.

Equipment Used:

Thermometer, nebulizer, blood pressure cuff, audiometer, otoscope, sphygmomanometer, vision screening equipment, Thermo scan, basic clinic equipment, personal computer, AED, and copier.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard medical clinic equipment including automated external defibrillator (AED); special needs adaptive equipment; standard office equipment including computer and peripherals

Posture: Frequent standing, sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension

Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 20 pounds); may require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and position of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting nonambulatory students

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress