School Nurse (Per-Diem)

Job description Reporting to the Medical Director and site Clinical Director, the school nurse, utilizing the nursing process, is responsible for providing for the nursing care needs of Bradley School students during the school day, consistent with the quality standards of the affiliate Bradley Hospital and the rules and regulations of the State of Rhode Island for the school health program. The primary responsibility of the school nurse is to focus on the student and school health issues that affect students’ safety and ability to learn during the school day. She/he is responsible for health promotion, prevention of illness and promotion of a healthy environment for students through health assessment for early detection of health problems, health education and assessment of the school environment. She/he collaborates with Bradley School students, parents, and outside community health and educational providers. Responsibilities HEALTH SERVICES Participate in development of school health standards, policies and procedures. Nursing assessment of students’ immunization, tuberculosis, and lead exposure status. Offer screenings for vision, hearing, dental and scoliosis per the State of RI School Health Regulations. Reinforce positive self-health management measures. Individual nursing assessment and intervention for stabilization / resolution of student urgent health concerns as related to illness/injury or altered health status. Nursing management of students with chronic or ongoing health problems in cooperation with students, parents and community health care providers including administration of medications in school. Nursing management for students with medically fragile conditions (e.g., Diabetes, Asthma) Referral to community providers for diagnosis and resolution of any deviant health finding. Communicate the health status of students to parents and school personnel as needed. Education of school personnel and students in appropriate health management measures including administration of emergency medications (e.g., Epi-pens or glucogon IM) as needed. Offer health coaching for non-acute health problems of students as needed as determined by the students’ clinical team. Participate in admission of students by facilitating the appropriate medical paperwork (e.g., medication forms, annual medication form, OTC form). Participate in weekly medical rounds with Team Leaders and Medical Director. Participate as a health consultant and make recommendations within the school team regarding students’ health needs and health issues affecting their ability to perform in school. Develop and implement Individual Care Plan and Emergency Care Plan for students with specific health needs (e.g., Allergies/Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Diabetes). Maintain a confidential cumulative and current health record for each student. SCHOOL HEALTH ENVIRONMENT Assess the school physical facilities and activities for safety features or hazards. Keep data on school related injuries (students and staff). Promote control of communicable diseases. Maintain first aid kits for school field trips Collaborate with school staff regarding school, home, and community health issues affecting students and school personnel Make recommendations for improvement of the school health environment. HEALTH EDUCATION Participate in health curriculum planning and evaluations in accordance with the current RI Educational Standards for teaching Health. May provide individual and class health instruction for students as needed. Serve as a health information resource/consultant for teachers and clinicians by suggesting materials and activities that support and enhance the health education curriculum. Provide health information for school personnel through in-service training programs. Requirements Current license to practice professional nursing in RI Experience in the practice of nursing, preferably within a school setting or with children and adolescents. Ability to work with administration, colleagues, parents and students in high stress situations. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills. Positive, non-judgmental attitude. Knowledge of psychiatric, behavioral and developmental conditions in children and adolescents. Work is performed in an alternative school setting requiring standing, walking, and occasional lifting of students. A strong background and experience working with students with various emotional and behavioral disorders, as well as developmental disabilities (e.g., autism spectrum disorders), is desired.

Salary : $41