School Nurse (GES)

JOB TITLE:                                                          SCHOOL NURSE               

REPORTS TO:                                                      Principal

FLSA STATUS/CLASSIFICATION:                      Exempt; Full-Time, School Year 12,  Benefits                    

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SUMMARY:  Supervises one to one nursing and other health care providers for students, health aides, clerical assistants and volunteers.  Coordinates a comprehensive school health program including the delivery of services to students (in the context of their families) and staff members in order to enhance wellness in the school community.  Duties are to be performed in accordance with standards of professional school nurse practice, district/State Board of Education policies and procedures and Arizona State Nurse Practice Laws.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching:

•              Participates as a member of the school/district staff as a resource and specialist in health issues

•              Provides staff in-service programs on health topics

•              Provides health-related classroom instructions and or information materials to teachers for classroom use as requested

Coordination:

•              Encourages and supports a comprehensive school health program

•              Collects and analyzes school health information and makes recommendations based upon statistical data

•              Establishes an injury prevention program to facilitate school and playground safety

•              Participates in Child Find programs

•              Assesses the health and safety needs of the school environment in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, implementing the Blood Borne Pathogen Control Plan and other interventions as indicated

•              Establishes a communicable disease prevention and control program in cooperation with local and state public health agencies

•              Manages school health records in accordance with Arizona state mandates, providing efficient retrieval of information and other related archival responsibilities

•              Establishes and manages health screening programs according to state mandate and guidelines

•              Participates as a member of the school/district staff in health issues

•              Identifies implication of health-related school policies

•              Participates in the development of health-related policies and procedures in compliance with state mandates and current health practices

Clinical Practice:

•              Makes professional judgment in critical and life-threatening situations

•              Provides direct professional nursing services, first aid, illness, and emergency care to students and staff including nurse assessment, identifying health problems, making referrals for diagnosis and treatments, recommending education modifications, providing follow-up and evaluation, and maintaining appropriate documentation

•              Observes students for symptoms, side effects and reaction to medicines, injuries or other health-related problems

•              Analyzes data for epidemiological significance

•              Provides identification and referral services on an individual site basis, through the County Health Department and individual physicians for immunization update

•              Provides health information and counseling for students, parents, and staff including health-related classroom instructions

•              Develops a medication protocol to safely store, administer, document, and monitor the effectiveness of medication given at school

•              Supervises/provides screening and follow-up for deficits in vision, hearing, growth and development, and other physical deficits

•              Maintains accurate medical records to assure compliance with state mandates including immunizations, physical examinations, and medical conditions

•              Facilitates a team approach for crisis intervention for students and staff in the event of sudden illness or injury

•              Employs timely assessment and referrals for suspected abuse/neglect as a mandated reporter

Health Office Management:

•              Maintains a user-friendly, organized health services facility conducive to confidential communications and services

•              Purchases and maintains health and OSHA supplies and equipment as indicated for the health office and school

Communication:

•              Maintains timely communication with administration, teachers, other school personnel, and parents/guardians to enhance cooperative action, which will meet the health and safety needs of students

•              Issue health alerts to parents and community when advisable

•              Initiates contact with and act as a liaison between the home, school, community health agencies and the private medical sector to enhance the health and wellness of the school community

•              Maintains and encourages confidentiality regarding all school and health-related issues

Special Education and 504 Plans:

•              Participates as an active member of the multidisciplinary team in the identification, evaluation, and placement of students into special education programs. May write the health component of the Individual Education Plan as needed

•              Recommends modifications of the school program for students who require accommodations due to health deficit

•              Develops and updates health care plans for students who need special nursing intervention during the school day

Professional Development:

•              Participates as a member of her/his professional school nursing and education organization and utilizes continuing education opportunities to enhance professional knowledge in both nutrient and education fields

•              Participates as a member of the faculty on district committees and association activities including monthly meetings

•              Participates as an active member of the school community, representing health/wellness

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

•              Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

•              Knowledge of current medical technology.

•              Knowledge of data usage, including collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting.

•              Ability to do perform multiple administrative functions simultaneously.

•              Ability to do mathematical computations.

•              Ability to maintain confidentiality.

•              Produce accurate work and complete assignments with minimal supervision.

•              Ability to apply common sense understanding to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations.

•              Ability to work cooperatively and courteously with staff, students, parents and community members.

•              Knowledge of applicable Federal and State laws, district procedures and Board policies.

•              Ability to handle confrontation and conflict without an emotional response.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

•              Current RN License

•              Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Program completed

•              Certified Hearing Screening Technician

•              Prior professional nursing experience, preferred pediatric, adolescence of community, mental health nursing, and health program

•              Any equivalent combination of training, education and experience that meets minimum requirements

•              Criminal justice/Fingerprint clearance

Computer Proficiency:  Demonstrated general proficiency in computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to reach with hands and arms.  The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, stoop and walk.  The employee may be required to move ten pounds and could occasionally lift or move up to twenty pounds.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Indoor school environment.  This position regularly works indoors but may work outdoors on occasion in all types of weather conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate and may become excessively noisy at times.   Will have contact with students, staff, external agencies and the public.

Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities identified in this position description are illustrative only and are in no way intended to be a complete list of activities that may be required of an incumbent.  The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of duties performed for this position.  Additional duties are performed by the individual currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.