3-Month Term School Nurse

Job Description

Summary

The Albuquerque Academy Health Office is seeking an individual for the position of School Nurse for a 3-Month Term. This position is responsible for helping students to take maximum advantage of the educational opportunities available through the school. In this capacity, the School Nurse provides acute health care and emergency first aid to ill or injured students and employees, manages chronic health conditions for students, promotes both physical and mental health, and assists in the on-going development of the school health program through curriculum design, health education activities, and in-service training. Strong candidates are attracted to our mission and see themselves as engaged community members.

All employees at Albuquerque Academy approach their work in accordance with the values in our mission and in a spirit of kindness, professionalism, generosity, and civility to all members of the community. Our community norms, listed below, underlie our school culture, and all community members are expected to commit themselves fully to them.

• Value and respect the diverse contributions of each person in the community.
• Assume positive intent and inquire if you are left with questions or concerns.
• Engage in face-to-face direct conversations; be clear, open, and honest in your conversations.
• Be present and participate.

Albuquerque Academy seeks to maintain a diverse and energetic staff to work on campus. We encourage applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in independent school communities. The position is open until filled, and applicants are asked to submit a letter of interest and resume along with their online application. Please explain why Albuquerque Academy is the right fit for you and detail your passion for the position.

Essential Functions

• Comply with the code of ethics of the NM Nurse Practice Act and uphold and implement school rules, administrative regulations, and board policy.
• Implement policies and procedures regarding school attendance and the control of communicable diseases in accordance with the recommendations of the State of NM School Health Manual.
• Ensure that each student is complying with the NM Immunization Requirements for school attendance. Communicate with parents regarding missing immunizations and comply with the NM state reporting requirements for immunization compliance in the school.
• Maintain accurate, updated records of health information on all students, and provide medication information or records as needed for school-sponsored trips and activities.
• Respect the confidentiality of matters related to the personal health problems of students, families, faculty, and staff.
• Evaluate student conditions as listed on the Student Health List. Assess needs and risks, and address how best to ensure student safety.
• Administer medication to students who require medication during school hours. 
• Periodically administer vision, hearing, and blood pressure screening for students, faculty, and staff as needed.
• Identify health problems including social, emotional, and economic factors that may interfere with learning. Utilize screening procedures (to include drug and alcohol), assessments, and evaluations of students.
• Periodically meet with teachers, learning specialists, and administrators to consider physical, emotional, and social health of students with health issues or other concerns.
• Participate as a health professional in the evaluation process for students referred for special education services.
• Consult with parents as needed regarding student health concerns. Communicate with teachers, counselors, athletic trainers, and administration as needed.
• Assist in the development of the health education curriculum as needed and act as a resource for faculty in the health education programs. 
• Actively participate in school safety and risk-management plans that address bullying, school violence, and school emergencies.
• Serve as a consultant and resource person to school personnel, parents, and students in identifying community resources, environmental hazards, and school safety issues.
• Serve as a liaison and consultant with other school professionals to ensure student welfare and safety.  
• Act as a liaison between the school, the home, and community health providers regarding health information and referrals.
• Initiate referrals to school counselors, community health resources, and parents for intervention, remediation, and follow-through of physical and mental health problems.
• Oversee the general operation of the health room, including maintenance of appropriate supplies and equipment.
• Promptly report potential health or safety hazards in the school.
• Assist in the training, supervision, and performance appraisal of assigned health room assistants.
• Provide and coordinate in-service training for school personnel regarding first-aid, CPR, and other health related training.
• Serve on or attend committee meetings and conferences regarding health services and health education.
• Support the School and its mission, always maintaining a high degree of professionalism.
• Foster and maintain a culture of mutual respect, equitable practice, and joy. 
• Demonstrate cultural competence and communicate and collaborate effectively across differences.

Other Responsibilities

• Provide on-call support as appropriate.
• Transport students to class when needed via the School Nurse’s golf cart.
• Administer and support divisions with drug testing as needed.
• Attend employee meetings as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

Education

• A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing is required.

Experience

• Minimum three years of experience in nursing is required.
• Previous experience as a school nurse or in pediatric care is preferred. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of state regulations pertaining to immunizations and communicable diseases.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures and first aid.
• Knowledge of standard nursing practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of current trends, standards of care, and issues in the health care industry.
• Knowledge of computer applications including database software, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to adapt to electronic medical health record systems, including Magnus. 
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.

Special Requirements

• A valid NM Nursing License or ability to obtain one is required.
• Current certification in CPR is required.
• The willingness to become CPR Trainer certified is required.
• A valid Driver’s License is required. 
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Working Environment

• Majority of work is performed in an indoor setting at the campus Health Office.
• Work hours are generally from 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
• The Health Office is open during both the regular school year and the summer program. 
• This is a temporary 3-Month Term position. 
• Travel from location to location is handled with golf carts or walking.
• Frequent exposure to sick and injured students, faculty, and staff is expected.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds with or without assistance
• Frequently retrieving, carrying, and handling supplies
• Frequently driving a golf cart on campus
• Frequently standing, stooping, walking, and otherwise assisting patients

EEO/ADA Compliance

Albuquerque Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Academy will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.