School Nurse

School Nurse Teacher

The School Nurse Teacher (SNT) is the leader in the school community to oversee school health policies, programs, and follows the Rules and Regulations of School Health as set forth by the Rhode Island Department of Education and the Rhode Island Department of Health. The SNT serves as a liaison between school personnel, families, healthcare providers and community members to promote and advocate for healthcare and a healthy school environment physically, socially and emotionally.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Nursing or an applicable field, from an accredited college or university.
• At least 3 years of clinical nursing experience, preferably in pediatrics.
• Rhode Island Department of Education Teaching Certification or currently enrolled in coursework towards this certification.
• Current Rhode Island Nursing Licensure.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Basic First Aid Certification.
• Three letters of recommendation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned):

1. Implements the Rules and Regulations of School Health as set forth by RIDE and RIDOH and public health mandates.
2. Demonstrates skill in assessment and nursing interventions provided to students and staff; refers to other professionals in a timely manner when appropriate.
3. Maintains accurate, regulation-compliant, and upto-date student health records (immunizations, physicals, school screenings, health issues).
4. Maintains a clean, comfortable, and confidential school clinic.
5. Contributes to the development and revision of health policies.
6. Applies current research-based best instructional practices and strategies to deliver health services.
7. Coordinates and conducts school health screenings and safety assessments.
8. Develops, implements and monitors individualized health care plans.
9. Makes recommendations to IEP and Section 504 teams and in other situations, as appropriate.
10. Administers and ensures the safe and secure keeping of medications, in compliance with the school district's medication policy and state laws and regulations.
11. Consults and collaborates professionally with colleagues, students and their parents when appropriate.
12. Acts as a resource for health teaching, health promotion and disease prevention.
13. Displays knowledge of child development and is sensitive to social, cultural and gender identity issues.
14. Demonstrates understanding of the role of the school nurse teacher in crisis situations: responds in alignment with the District Safety Plan.
15. Assists and educates students in monitoring their own health issues and progress.
16. Takes responsibility for personal professional growth.
17. Collects, records and presents student data for the purpose of RIDE/RIDOH or district initiatives; uses data to evaluate health issues/programs and revise practice.
18. Deliver care to students with acute and chronic health conditions as well as administering first aid for injuries.
19. Preventing and controlling the spread of communicable diseases.
20. Connecting students and their families to healthcare providers and other health resources as needed.
21. Learning district technology platforms for charting, data collection, communicating and virtual meetings.
22. Order supplies for the school health program/health office.
23. Carry out other duties as designated by supervisor(s).

Skills Required:

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, test data, technical medical procedures (within reason) and governmental regulations (FDA, USDA, etc.).
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts as they relate to medications and doctor's orders.
• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory in this specific field.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff and the community.
• Ability to communicate clearly in both oral and written form.
• Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements, school committee policies and government policies (HIPPA, FERPA).

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear. Specific vision ability required by this job includes near and distance vision. Lifting a reasonable amount of weight and/or lifting with assistance is a requirement.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described in this document are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in this environment may be loud, depending upon the activity in the particular part of the day and location.

Terms of Employment:

Work year, salary and benefits established by the School Committee and/or designated bargaining unit.