What are the responsibilities and job description for the Support Nurse position at Ambridge Area School District?
**Purpose/Summary**
The Support Nurse serves as an assistant to the Certified School Nurse, providing medical care and support to students in a school setting. To assist staff and administration in performing medical procedures and carrying out protocol as identified for particular needs of individual students.
- Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Follow established nursing strategies for assessment and intervention to foster a climate of health and wellness in the schools.
- Provide health room coverage under the guidance of the Principal and Certified School Nurse.
- Communicate medical information to Teachers and Administration regarding student medical conditions within the building.
- Serve as a liaison between medical personnel, parents, and school staff when meeting the needs of ill or injured students.
- Assist with health screenings according to State policies and guidelines.
- Render emergency care to a student or staff member when injured or ill.
- Inform the Principal and Certified School Nurse of state law or local policy indicating exclusion or readmission of students with infectious or contagious diseases.
- Dispense medication and provide first aid, and/or other requisite health care as deemed necessary and appropriate within a school setting.
- Assist school personnel in establishing and maintaining sanitary conditions and standards in the school.
- Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by District policies.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the building principal.
**Education and Experience**
A high school diploma and education required by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing for licensure as a Practical Nurse are required. A minimum of two years of experience in a related field is also required.
**Certifications, Licenses, Registrations**
Current Requirements:
- Current PA License as a Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse
- Current First Aid and CPR/AED Certificates
- Act 34/151/114/126/168 Clearances/Certifications
**Qualification Requirements**
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
**Knowledge and Abilities**
An individual in this position must have the ability to think critically and problem solve, especially as it relates to human growth and development. They must also have knowledge of medical emergencies and be able to react and respond appropriately to crisis situations.
**Academic Skills**
Knowledge of medications, first aid, diagnostic procedures, and basic health care is required. Additionally, an individual in this position must have knowledge of human growth and development and be able to apply this information in the school setting.
**Language Skills**
Ability to use the English language in both oral and written form is required. An individual in this position must be able to communicate effectively with administration, staff, and parents.
**Math Skills**
Knowledge of arithmetic applications and ability to analyze and interpret data is required.
**Technology Skills**
Competency with up-to-date computer software, including Word processing and Excel, is required.
**Reasoning Abilities**
Ability to problem solve, multi-task, and utilize time and resources properly is required. Additionally, an individual in this position must be able to observe and evaluate students to make decisions regarding students' health and wellness.
**Other Skills and Abilities**
Additional skills and abilities required include maintaining high emotional energy, developing effective coping strategies, reacting quickly in volatile situations, advocating for students, making equitable decisions, concentrating with numerous interruptions, maintaining effective working relationships, maintaining strict confidentiality, understanding and facilitating needs of various personality types, and performing duties with awareness of all District policies and professional obligations.
**Physical Demands**
This position is considered to be a LIGHT Physical Demand Characteristic of Work position according to the physical demands strength rating of the Dictionary of Occupation Title, Fourth edition published by the US Department of Labor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
