Director of School Nursing

Job Title                     Director of School Nursing

Qualifications            

1. Registered Nurse with current state licensure
2. Minimum of 5 years nursing experience with at least 2 years in a school, pediatric, or emergency department preferred
3. Prior supervisory experience strongly preferred

Contract  240 day contract, salary based on RN salary schedule with a 1.32 index multiplier

Evaluator Assistant Superintendent of Operations

Job Goal  The Director of Nursing will supervise and coordinate all aspects of the District’s school nurse program

Specific Job Duties/Requirements: 

Program Leadership & Oversight

• Continually evaluate, develop, and implement best practices in all aspects of the school nurse program
• Supervise all District nurses and nurses’ offices
• Maintain knowledge of AR School Nurse Practice Act  and ensure all district nurses are complying with current federal and state laws
• Serve as a health advisor to the school district administration
• Work with building nurses to create an environment that supports learning and is appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students
• Maintain understanding of Medicaid in Schools and supervise the district Personal Care Nurse

Supervision and Staff Development

• Provide professional development, continuing education, and clinical support to nursing staff
• Facilitate regular meetings and maintain communication among school nurses
• Assist in the recruitment, employment, assignment, evaluation, promotion, and/or dismissal or nursing personnel
• Provide professional development for staff as needed or requested
• Facilitate CPR/AED classes offered to all staff district wide
• Recruit and coordinate guest  nurse pool, personally cover the building nurse office if no guest nurse is available
• Participate in on-going training to enhance professional skills and acquire knowledge of the most current methods and techniques
• Maintain American Heart Association BLS/Heartsaver instructor certification and Training site coordination

Clinical Oversight

• Oversee health services including chronic disease management, emergency response, and medication administration
• Ensure accurate documentation of health records in accordance with privacy laws (e.g., HIPAA, FERPA)
• Maintain and provide updates for the district Electronic Medical Record
• Oversee the monthly checks and maintenance of District AEDs
• Maintain designation of Heart Safe Schools with Arkansas Children’s Hospital/Project Adam and facilitate AED drills for each building

            Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with administrators and building nurses to provide appropriate screenings for students (BMI, scoliosis, vision, hearing, etc.)
• Serve as liaison between District and post-secondary nursing programs (U of A, NWACC, JBU, NTI) for placement of student nurses
• Serve as liaison between the District and the Health Department on communicable diseases, immunizations, and public health emergencies
• Lead in maintaining good public relations with local clinics, doctors, hospital, and other health service providers
• Act as liaison between schools, families, community health providers, and public health agencies
• Collaborate with administrators, counselors, and special education staff to support student wellness
• Work collaboratively with the Panther Health and Wellness Clinic and its providers to insure the best and most efficient care for our students
• Collaborate with the Panther Health and Wellness coordinator for health related activities
• Attend coordinator’s meetings with the NWA regional school nurses
• Be an active and supportive contributor to district and school academic initiatives

            Budget & Resource Management

• Work with Chief Financial Officer to plan for, prepare, and manage all school nurse-related budgets in a cost-effective manner in accordance with district policy 
• Coordinate the purchase of all necessary equipment and supplies

Reporting & Compliance

• Collaborate with administration to maintain consistency of medical related forms and information across the District
• Ensure all mandatory state reporting for school nursing is accurate and timely
• Address School Board and staff as needed or required 
• Track and maintain documentation of all license and certification requirements for District nurses
• Monitor trends in student health and develop data-driven health initiatives
• Conduct annual program evaluations and make recommendations for improvement
• Adhere to the district’s safety policies and procedures
• Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

1. Knowledge of current laws and guidelines pertaining to school nurses and school health programs
2. Ability to establish and maintain open communication with all stakeholders through a variety of interpersonal, verbal, written, and technological mediums
3. Ability to collaborate with colleagues and administrators for the greater good
4. Ability to maintain confidentiality
5. Ability to perform job functions with trust, integrity, courtesy, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence
6. Ability to adapt to the culture and expectations of the Siloam Springs School District
7. Ability to work as part of a team
8. Ability manage personnel
9. Comfortable with using and training others in technology - EMR, updating and developing forms, spreadsheets, etc
10. Ability to manage a budget
11. Skill in building positive relationships with community, parents, students, teachers, and administrators