School Nurse

Dracut High School is seeking a School Nurse. QUALIFICATIONS: *Graduate of a Professional Nursing Program approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. *Current License as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. *One to three years experience in pediatrics, community health, or related field. *Bachelor's Degree in Nursing *Certification in School Nursing by the Massachusetts Department of Education *Maintain certification in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and First Aid from a recognized provider. JOB GOAL: To provide professional health services and coordinate the resources of the school, home and community as they pertain to the total health of students and staff. The School Nurse is responsible for developing, implementing and managing a school health program for a school population as defined by the school district. PERFORMANCE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : *Assess and evaluate student's health, and the degree of significance of health problems on students' educational progress. *Assume a leadership role in the identification of students with health needs that interfere with effective learning. *Use effective techniques to counsel students, parents, and school personnel and plan action for eliminating, minimizing, or accepting health problems. *Observe school facilities and recommend modifications necessary to maintain optimum health and safety of students and school personnel. *Coordinate health services with other health disciplines in order to fulfill a total health education program *Coordinate health service with community health programs. *Collaborate/cooperate with community providers and state agencies to meet the health and social service needs of students *Develop and implement Individual Health Care Plans and Emergency Plans for students with significant health problems. *Respond to frequently encountered health and social problems including, but not limited to, child abuse and neglect, alcohol and other drug use, nutrition problems, eating disorders, and teen pregnancy. *Organize, carry out, and report on mandated health screening programs and make appropriate referrals and follow-up on vision, hearing, and scoliosis screening failures. *Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to administer medications appropriately, in keeping with school policy on administration of medication in the school. *Assess family history and home situations, which may affect a student's health. *Participate in team evaluations and conferences on children with significant medical problems. *Maintain an accurate health record on each student. *Document First Aid and illness care provided to all students and complete accident reports, and maintain a log of health room activity. *Screen all students to ensure compliance with immunization laws, and make recommendations for exclusion of students for lack of compliance to school administration. *Recommend exclusion and monitor readmission to school for students with infections or communicable diseases. *Maintain First Aid supplies and equipment in an appropriate location in the school. *Is a resource to the parent, student, principal, and teachers in matters pertaining to health. *Shall be mandated reporters in accordance with MGL Chapter 119, Section 51A regarding abuse of children.