FY 26-27 Substitute School Nurse- Registered Nurse

School Nurse Position

The registered nurse (RN) in the school setting is an integral part of the professional team employed to aid children and youth in developing to their full potential. The ability to assume the position of substitute school nurse based on knowledge and understanding of normal growth & development, health management, and education. The unique contribution of the nurse lies in the ability to provide professional health care and guidance and to coordinate the resources of the school, home, and community as they pertain to the total health of the students and staff. School nursing health care contributes to a healthy society.

Daily substitutes are required to be available weekly and willing to be flexible with their assignments. Daily assignments may vary depending on the district's needs, with no guarantee of weekly hours.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
• Must hold a Massachusetts RN License and have a current CPR/AED certification;
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in community health, school nursing, pediatric nursing, or a related field of nursing;
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff, and parents;
• Ability to document in English (written & electronic documentation) and communicate effectively;
• Commitment to self-assessment and professional improvement;
• Ability to work with a team in the assessment of and planning for special needs students, students with special health care needs;
• Ability to respond to emergency situations as they arise during the school day
• Willingness to participate in health education roles as appropriate, considering time restraints allowed by various schools and caseload numbers;
• Previous experience in the area of support is preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Health Services:

• Develop and maintain individual health records for each student;
• Monitor and administer medications stipulated by state law and school medication policy;
• Provide specialized nursing treatments for physically challenged students as required during school hours;
• Assist with overseeing enforcement of local and state immunization regulations; review student immunization records to ensure compliance;
• Assist with mandated screening programs (e.g., scoliosis, height/weight, SBIRT BMI, etc.) and make referrals to parents and/or physicians as appropriate;
• Assume responsibility for the care of sick and injured in the school following the "First Aid and Medical Policy Manual for Schools";
• Observe school facilities and recommend modifications necessary to maintain the optimum health and safety of students and school personnel.
• Confer with parents, students, and teachers on students' health problems and refer to community health programs when appropriate.
• Assist in the identification and education of students with special health problems that affect learning and total growth
• Confer with administrators and other staff members on health concerns within the community.
• Observe school facilities and recommend modifications necessary to maintain optimum health and safety of students and school personnel.

Respond to encountered health problems:

• Child abuse and neglect
• Drug use and abuse
• Nutrition
• Adolescent pregnancy
• Assist with the implementation of attendance policy as requested (i.e. readmitting students to school after an illness, investigating attendance problems, etc.)

Special Needs:

• Inform appropriate staff members of any student requiring a special program or classroom modification and assist in arranging for the proper facilities, equipment, programs, etc.
• Identify and report safety concerns related to equipment or caring for students

Support Activities:

• Advise on health supplies and equipment to be used in the schools.
• Submit periodic reports as required.
• Assist with supporting the needs of the office.
• Review student records and prepare updated school building health office immunization, physical, disability, and emergency list.

Reports to: Principal / Director of Nursing & School Health Services

$273 per day. Fitchburg Public School District is in the top 5 highest paying districts for substitute nurses. Every office is staffed with two nurse, you will not work alone.

Daily substitutes are hired temporarily each year; there is no guarantee of continued employment beyond the school year. Substitutes will be notified by July 15 regarding continued employment for the following year.

Timesheets must be submitted to payroll weekly. Enrollment in direct deposit is required.

An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of NCBC (fingerprinting) and CORI prior to your start of employment.

Notice of Non-Discrimination The School Committee's policy of nondiscrimination extends to students, employees, and the general public with whom it does business. Fitchburg Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or equal treatment in its programs and/or activities in compliance with state and federal law. Questions related to this policy must be addressed to: The Office of Human Resources, 376 South Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420, View email address on click.appcast.io

Fitchburg Public Schools