Substitute Nurse

Substitute School Nurse

The School Nurse Substitute comforts children with health problems that interfere with their ability to take part in everyday school activities. The major focus of school nursing services is the prevention of illness and disability, and the early detection and intervention of health problems. The school nurse functions in accordance with the NH Nurse Practice Act, Code of Ethics for registered nurses, and the school district's policies and procedures.

Responsibilities of the substitute school nurse include but are not limited to:

• providing direct health care to students
• providing leadership for the provision of health services
• promoting a healthy school environment
• interpreting health and developmental assessments to parents, teachers, administrators, and other professionals concerned with the students in accordance with the following policies: JLC: Student Health Services JLCE: Emergency Care and First Aid
• assessing and responding to student health needs
• maintaining accurate health records as needed
• making referrals to appropriate public agencies regarding concerns affecting a child's health in school
• direct support of licensed health personnel working in the school building
• making independent and timely nursing decisions to triage emergency situations regarding the school community
• notifying the principal of potential exclusions and other health-related problems as needed and required by law
• working within the guidelines of the school health program and with all members of the school community to provide a better understanding of the school's and community's role in improving and maintaining the overall health of the community
• maintaining confidentiality of information
• administering medications to students as needed and in accordance with regulations and district policies

Must comply with all Newmarket School District policies and building/department rules, procedures, practices, and objectives. Performs all duties in a professional and appropriate manner while interacting with students, parents, faculty, administration, and co-workers. Performs other tasks and assumes other responsibilities as assigned by their supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Registered Nurse currently licensed in the State of New Hampshire
• CPR and First Aid Certified
• Valid driver's license for district-wide travel
• Integrity; good judgment and decision-making abilities, problem-solving skills, exercise clinical autonomy, and organizational and planning skills

Preferred: Two to three years of prior experience in the areas of pediatrics and/or emergency care.

Knowledge, Ability, Skill:

• Knowledge of Blood-borne Pathogens, CPR, and medical care within the scope of practice
• Working knowledge of state child protection laws, rules and regulations, and school policies regarding how to report child abuse/neglect
• Knowledge of relevant technology
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with the School Nurse, students, staff, and parents, able to work independently under the supervision of a Building Administrator, School Nurse, or Special Education Case Manager in a wide variety of circumstances related to health and student services
• Reliability and confidentiality
• Typical skills associated with the nursing scope of practice
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Customer service orientation and interpersonal skills
• Clear and effective communication skills (verbal and written)
• Skilled at information gathering and data management
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize work

Supervision Received: Principal or School Level Administrator as Assigned Exercised: None

Job Environment:

• Work is performed in school setting, classroom setting, health office, and related areas
• This may involve working outside during P.E., recess, bus monitoring, or related activity
• Makes frequent contact with school department students and staff
• May have contact with parents, the public, and outside agencies or organizations
• Employee has access to confidential information related to this role
• This position has occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit; supervise students requiring the employee to move at a speed that coordinates with students and may at times require the ability to react quickly to safeguard students
• The employee is regularly required to see, talk, hear, taste and smell (to evaluate risks); to use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel
• The employee may be required to use computers, computer accessories, telephone, copier, FAX machine, and other such equipment; to reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, or crouch
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
• Must have sufficient physical agility and strength to perform in emergency situations, such as performing CPR or choking first aid if necessary

Newmarket School District