Licensed Vocational Nurse

Position:  Licensed Vocational Nurse     

Department:  Lobit Village

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt  

Immediate Supervisor(s):   Campus Principal, Lead Nurse

Pay Grade: Per Compensation Manual  

Days Employed: Per Compensation Manual

POSITION SUMMARY:

• Oversee the health needs of the campus by providing expertise and oversight for the provision of school health services and health promotion
• Use clinical knowledge and judgment
• Provide health care to students and staff
• Perform health screenings and coordinate referrals to the public medical or private healthcare provider
• Serve as a liaison between school personnel, family, community, and healthcare providers to advocate for health care and a healthy school environment

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Licensed by the Texas Board of Nursing to practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse
• Healthcare Provider C.P.R. Certification
• Vision and Hearing Screening Certification
• Acanthosis Nigricans Screening Certification

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Unlicensed Diabetic Care Assistant Annual Training
• Physical Requirements considered as essential functions to this position:
  • Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
  • Heavy lifting up to 50 pounds 
  • Physical ability to maneuver students with significantly impaired mobility (e.g. use a Hoyer-type lift, conduct wheelchair/hospital bed transfers, load students onto a bus lift)
  • Frequent walking/standing for long periods of time that will include kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting, and reaching 

Experience:

• Three (3) years of experience in pediatrics, school health, community health, and/or emergency nursing preferred 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities:

• Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, Texas Department of Health rule, State Board of Education rule, Texas Board of Nursing, and board policy in the health services area
• Comply with Texas immunization requirements by evaluating immunization records. Exclude non-compliant students until up to date on required immunizations per the Texas State Law or a valid official exemption affidavit obtained from the Texas Department of State Health Services is provided.
• Conduct Texas Department of Health and Texas Education Agency required Vision, Hearing, Scoliosis and Acanthosis Nigricans screenings. Vision/Hearing to be completed by November and Scoliosis/Acanthosis Nigricans by February or both within 30 days as students transfer into the school district. Refer as applicable and follow up on referrals made.
• Provide a focused assessment on students who present and/or are referred by staff to the health office
• Provide temporary and emergency care for sick and injured students or staff according to district policy and procedures
• Notify parents of accidents or illnesses and secure medical care for students in emergency cases (if parents or emergency contact cannot be reached)
• Review of students’ health records
• Identify health findings that do not fall within the norm
• Document focused assessment data and nursing actions in the electronic medical records
• Administer and document medications according to Texas law, Nurse Practice Act (NPA), and district policy
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required, including clinic records and accurate, updated health records on all students
• Collaborate with parent(s), legal guardian(s), teachers, guidance counselor, social worker, school psychologist, administrators, and community resources regarding student health needs/problems to assist the student educationally and enhance his/her well-being
• Collect, document, and analyze data regarding suspected child abuse and neglect and make formal referrals to appropriate agencies
• Collect data to identify trends in illnesses and injuries and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies
• Prepare statistical reports for the Galveston County Health District and other agencies, as required
• Participate in the planning of nursing care needs and contribute to the development and implementation of the nursing care plans
• Assist with the development of students’ IHP
• Participate in reviewing and developing health-related district policies and procedures
• Communicate with the district lead nurse to analyze and resolve student health issues
• Communicate with other school personnel as appropriate regarding student health issues
• Consult with and/or refer to state health agencies as needed
• Provide input for preparation and implementation of the individual school’s Health Services Budget
• Request requisition supplies and equipment needed to maintain clinic inventory
• Update nursing knowledge and skills through professional development, workshops, courses, and other professional resources pertaining to school health
• Identify strengths and weaknesses through self-evaluation
• Develop a plan of action to strengthen school nursing practice
• Promote wellness and disease prevention through public health efforts such as bulletin boards, newsletters, parent night displays, and other opportunities
• Exhibit strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Follow implemented policies and procedures
• Enforce procedures to ensure proper program administration according to district policy
• Model behavior that is prudent, professional, ethical, and responsible
• Maintain student privacy/confidentiality as per HIPPA, FERPA, and district policy
• Report potential health and safety hazards to district lead nurse and principal
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Publisher, Word, PowerPoint, OneNote) and data entry for electronic medical record program

SPECIAL EDUCATION/504 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in referrals and meetings to assist in the development of Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (504), and Response to Intervention (RTI) plans, as needed
• Participate in Special Education staffing and Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings where significant medical, health, and safety concerns for students are a concern
• Review developmental histories and health assessments in specialized cases
• Maintain current knowledge of community health resources and refer students/families to these resources, as applicable

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in the development and teach from a developed training plan for annual training for staff: Anaphylactic Allergy team, Seizure precautions, and Asthma signs/symptoms
• Provide in-service education within the scope of practice to teachers and staff according to state and OSHA requirements, student health concerns, staff requests, emergency preparedness, and other identified needs
• Provide in-service education within the scope of practice to transportation staff working with students with medical diagnoses/needs

EXPECTATIONS OF MENTAL DEMANDS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students
• Motion: Frequent walking and reaching, frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning or students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting non-ambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment
• Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (body fluids, bacteria, communicable diseases)
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; Ability to interact positively and proactively with students with behavioral concerns, communicate verbally and in writing, instruct and maintain emotional control under stress
• Professional Dress:  Dress must be clean, neat, in a manner appropriate for his or her assignment, and in accordance with any additional standards established by his or her supervisor and approved by the Superintendent.  During work hours, visible body piercings (except earrings) will not be allowed.  

EVALUATIONS: 

• Performance of this position will be evaluated annually