What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Nurse Teacher position at Smithfield Public Schools?
ABOUT TIMES2 ACADEMY : TIMES2 Academy is a district-affiliated, K-12 public charter school in Providence, RI. Our mission is to develop intellectually curious young people who are selfless contributors to their communities and who aspire to be ethical and compassionate leaders. Through a rigorous and innovative academic program in math, science, and technology, in combination with the liberal arts, we prepare our diverse student population with the experiences, skills, and values for purposeful contributions in higher education and STEM-related fields. POSITION OVERVIEW : The School Nurse Teacher at TIMES2 Academy plays a key role in promoting the health and well-being of students and staff, ensuring a safe and supportive school environment. Under the guidance of the Chief Academic Officer, the School Nurse Teacher is responsible for delivering skilled nursing services, coordinating health programs, and meeting mandated health instructional requirements. The nurse will maintain high standards for school buildings and facilities related to health and safety. This role also includes supporting medically fragile students and those with special health care needs, helping them integrate into the school setting safely and successfully. The School Nurse Teacher is integral in evaluating and managing the health services provided to students across assigned school(s). ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES :
- Perform individual health assessments for students, providing treatment or referrals as needed.
- Review and assess all student medical records and communicate necessary health information to teachers confidentially (e.g., conditions like asthma, diabetes, seizure disorders).
- Provide first aid for injuries or illnesses occurring on school property, during field trips, or at school events. Coordinate follow-up actions, including emergency responses such as calling 911 or escorting students to the ER if necessary.
- Maintain daily logs of all nursing activities, including details such as the student's name, grade, nature of the issue, actions taken, and follow-up requirements.
- Conduct vision, hearing, and scoliosis screenings as mandated by state regulations, ensuring that results are documented and communicated to parents with appropriate follow-up.
- Schedule and coordinate student physical examinations and sports physicals, assisting the school physician during exams.
- Monitor and maintain compliance with state health regulations, ensuring that appropriate records are kept and that health issues such as communicable diseases are promptly reported to the Chief Academic Officer and the Rhode Island Department of Health.
- Educate and inform students, parents, and staff on health issues such as disease prevention, proper hygiene, and first aid.
- Monitor the school environment for unsafe conditions (e.g., drinking fountains, restrooms) and report concerns to the Chief Academic Officer.
- Communicate effectively with parents, teachers, and administrators regarding student health concerns and treatment plans.
- Participate in IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meetings and assist in enforcing 504 plans as needed.
- Prepare and submit monthly reports detailing health-related activities, accidents, and treatments to the Chief Academic Officer.
- Administer daily and as-needed medications as prescribed by students' physicians, with proper parental consent.
- Maintain up-to-date health records for all students, including details on medications, chronic conditions, and any medical interventions.
- Complete all necessary documentation for student health issues, injuries, and incidents.
- Assist in any other duties related to student health and wellness as assigned by the Chief Academic Officer. REQUIRED SKILLS :
- Strong understanding of state and federal health regulations as they pertain to schools.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to assess student health needs and provide appropriate medical care.
- Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with school staff and parents.
- Proficiency in the use of technology to maintain student health records and generate reports.
- Documentation of a clear BCI. QUALIFICATIONS :
- A graduate of an approved nursing program.
- Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Rhode Island.
- School Nurse / Teacher Certification (Rhode Island Department of Education).
- Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Health Education, or a related field is preferred.
