School Nurse

QUALIFICATIONS: Massachusetts Department of Education Certification as School Nurse. Knowledge of current school and public health issues. Prior experience as a nurse working with children or youth. Other attributes as may be deemed appropriate and acceptable. REPORTS TO: School Principal JOB GOAL: To provide the fullest possible educational opportunity for students by minimizing absence due to illness and creating a climate of health and well-being in the school. PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist school administrators, teachers and the Health Education Coordinator with the development of a comprehensive school health program. Manages a comprehensive school health program consistent with Massachusetts guidelines, regulations and statutes governing nursing and school health, and local district policy. Conduct health related staff development activities and support teachers in implementing the health education curriculum in classrooms. Conduct school immunization programs, physical examinations, vision and hearing and other screenings as may be necessary under circumstances of need, by law, or in accordance with directives. Assess health needs of students, initiates and recommends referrals. Collaborates with other professional, parent/guardian and student, where appropriate to develop and implement and individualized health care plan for the student with special needs. Implements district concussion policy and follows state concussion regulations Utilizes SNAP for secure data collection and reporting Observe students on a regular basis to detect and investigate potential health needs. Maintain secure and up-to-date cumulative health records on all students. Use discretion and confidentiality in reporting to parents, school personnel, physicians, clinics or other agencies about the health information of individual students. Assist the Principal in preparing health-related reports to state agencies. Monitor and follow up on health-related reasons for student absence and with attempts to minimize absence. Assume authority for the care of a student or staff member who has suffered an injury or emergency illness. Provides medically prescribed interventions, including medication administration (based on state regulations), and provides clinical care to any student in need on a daily basis. Accommodates student’s health needs appropriately and efficiently and assesses student’s readiness to return to class when able. Administer first aid in accordance with established first aid procedures. Implement state law and School Committee Policy on matters regarding exclusion and readmission of students relative to infectious and contagious diseases. Assist with special education or kindergarten screening programs in relation to health matters. Participate as a team member in the reporting and investigation of suspected child abuse or neglect. Implements communicable disease prevention and infection control based on current guidelines for universal precautions and prevention of blood borne pathogens exposure. Advise support staff and teachers on ways to maintain sanitary conditions and precautions against the spread of disease among the school population. Prepares written reports for school administration and MDPH. Maintains secure daily logs, accident reports, and up-to-date individual student health records. Maintain a timely and accessible emergency plan to be communicated to all personnel. Maintains health office equipment and assesses need for consumable supplies Establish tasks and advise aides or others who provide temporary coverage for the health office. EMPLOYMENT: School-year position. SALARY:Annual salary, as determined by School Committee policy. EVALUATION: Annual performance review by school Principal.