School Nurse

School Nurse

The School Nurse specializes in providing care to students and staff members of schools. He/She takes care of students who require medical attention when they are injured or suffer from acute illness. His/Her tasks include treating of patients, referring them to other care providers, and interacting with parents of patients. He/she helps the authorities cope with emergencies by training staff members to respond properly. He/she provides advice about improving the environment of the school. During periods when students are exposed to communicable diseases, he/she oversees immunization or exclusion measures.

Essential Functions:

• Provides healthcare initiatives within the school
• Handles minor health issues that occur daily
• Dispenses students' prescribed medications
• Develops evidence-based Policies & Procedures to ensure continuity of care
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

• Licensed Practical Nurse
• Pennsylvania Criminal Record Check Clearance
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance
• FBI Criminal Background Clearance

Certificates/Licenses:

• LPN
• Demonstrated Knowledge of:
• CPR/AED requirements and administration
• Child Abuse Laws
• Pennsylvania School Code
• Pennsylvania Department of Health and Regulations
• Pennsylvania Division of School Health Guidelines
• Demonstrated Ability to:
• Provide first aide for illness or injury to students and document nursing assessment, diagnosis and treatment
• Inform teachers of health conditions of pupils which may affect behavior, appearance or scholastic performance
• Identify high risk children to needed services, including students presenting with signs of child abuse
• Plan for first aid services and instruct personnel responsible for giving first aid
• Promote good safety practices, both within and outside of school buildings

Additional Duties: Performs other related tasks as assigned by supervisors or other administrators.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment: Uses medical equipment to provide health care to students/staff, including, but not limited to, blood glucose monitor, stethoscopes, thermometers, sphygmomanometers. Uses personal computers.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, first aid, illnesses and injuries, nutrition, and related areas. Ability to diagnose and provide care for ill or injured students. Ability to convey appropriate medical information to school district staff or medical professionals to ensure a proper maintenance in the school setting. Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed for position. Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Powerpoint, the Internet, Outlook, electronic mail). Ability to problem solve job-related issues. Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals and students with special needs. Ability to follow oral and written orders from supervisors, administrators, physicians, and to coordinate work with principal, teachers and others. Ability to describe orally and in writing school health services provided, issues and concerns regarding school health. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.

Safety Requirements: Adheres to all applicable professional safety standards and practices in the nursing field, including requirements set forth in federal and state law, and Occupational Safety and Health regulations. Implements Board Policy regarding Blood Borne Pathogens and other Board policies regarding the medical or health care of employees and students. Travel Requirements: Frequent travel between schools may be required. Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards: Work in standard school building environment. Exposure to body secretions, blood borne pathogens, medicine and medicinal supplies, illnesses and diseases.