School Year Nurse

ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF BOSTON

Since 1893, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston have played an essential role in opening doors and creating opportunities for young people across this city. For every youth in Boston and Chelsea, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston are a life-changing force for opportunity and empowerment that enables future talent to reach their full individual potential as productive citizens and leaders, inspired to make a difference in the Greater Boston community. By reaching 22 of 23 communities throughout Boston and Chelsea, no other youth serving organization engages more young people and families. Learn more at and join us in transforming our members, our communities, our city!

POSITION OVERVIEW

The School Year Nurse manages and implements health services and related policies throughout the school year at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB). The nurse supports the ongoing health needs of members, including preventive health, chronic condition management, medication administration, emergency care, health education, and maintenance of required health documentation. The nurse possesses strong health assessment skills, provides training and education to staff, and works effectively with youth, families, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

The School Year Nurse works under the Community Health Nurse and works closely with the Executive Director of the assigned Club, the VP of Health, and other BGCB departments to promote the health and safety of members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Organization, Assessment, and Documentation

• Organize, assess, maintain, and regularly review member and staff health records for health concerns, chronic medical conditions, medications, immunizations, physicals, and other required health documentation.
• Maintain accurate and detailed health records, including:
  • Staff and member health forms, with special attention to immunization and physical screening compliance
  • Medical logs of daily health/clinic visits, including injuries, illnesses, assessments, and care provided
  • Medication Administration Records
  • Incident Report forms
  • Individualized health care plans and emergency action plans, as applicable
• Regularly review medications, medication orders, parent/guardian authorization forms, action plans, expiration dates, physicals/immunizations, and other required health documentation. Follow up with families when updated information, documentation, or medication is needed.
• Use BGCB's designated electronic health record or health management system to document nursing visits, medication administration, relevant health information, and necessary follow-up.
• Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of communication with parents/guardians, health care providers, and BGCB staff.
• Maintain an appropriate inventory of medical supplies and equipment, including First Aid kits and emergency supplies.
• Assist with medication and health documentation reconciliation between school-year and summer programming to support continuity of care.

Medication Administration, Chronic Condition Management, and Emergency Care

• Implement and comply with BGCB health and medication policies and procedures and applicable federal, state, and local health requirements.
• Promote and assist in the control of communicable diseases and support compliance with applicable vaccination and health requirements.
• Provide health assessments, first aid, and emergency nursing care for illnesses and injuries occurring during Club programming.
• Manage the ongoing health needs of members with chronic medical conditions, including asthma, allergies/anaphylaxis, seizure disorders, diabetes, and other medical needs.
• Develop and implement individualized health care plans and emergency action plans for members requiring medications, medical monitoring, or specialized care while at the Club.
• Provide diabetes care as ordered and appropriate, including blood glucose monitoring; recognition and treatment of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia; insulin administration; and support for members utilizing continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and/or insulin pumps.
• Understand and independently manage allergic and anaphylactic reactions, including recognizing signs and symptoms, administering epinephrine as ordered, providing appropriate nursing care, and monitoring the member following an incident.
• Assess and respond to medical emergencies, including allergic reactions, asthma attacks, seizures, diabetic emergencies, head injuries/concussions, acute illnesses, and other injuries.
• Use clinical judgment to determine when parent/guardian pickup, further medical evaluation, or emergency medical services (EMS) are necessary.
• Review and implement emergency health policies and procedures and support health and safety preparedness throughout the Club.

Field Trips and Off-Site Activities

• Support the preparation of field trips and off-site activities involving members with medical needs.
• Review members' health needs prior to applicable trips and activities and prepare necessary medications, emergency supplies, and health information.
• Communicate relevant health information and emergency procedures to appropriate staff while maintaining member privacy and confidentiality.
• Provide nursing support for off-site activities when required based on program and member needs.

Communication, Collaboration, and Training

• Communicate effectively with the BGCB nursing team, Club leadership, parents/guardians, health care providers, and other BGCB colleagues regarding member health needs.
• Communicate with parents/guardians regarding injuries, illnesses, medications, missing or expiring medical documentation, changes in health needs, and other health concerns as appropriate.
• Inform the Executive Director, Community Health Nurse, and VP of Health of significant member health concerns or incidents as appropriate.
• Work closely with Club leadership, Membership, Social Work, Healthy Lifestyles, and other BGCB departments and teams as needed to support the health, safety, and well-being of members.
• Coordinate referrals to health care professionals and community resources as appropriate.
• Provide education, guidance, and support to Club staff regarding common childhood health concerns, emergency action plans, medications, chronic conditions, and health and safety procedures.
• Provide training and education to staff in areas that may include allergy prevention and management, asthma management, seizure management, diabetes care, head injury prevention/concussion protocols, medication administration, first aid, universal precautions, communicable disease prevention, and other relevant health topics.
• Participate in nursing team meetings, trainings, policy reviews, professional development, and other nursing department initiatives throughout the year.
• Support health education, prevention, and wellness activities for members and families when appropriate, including topics related to nutrition, healthy lifestyles, and general wellness.
• Other related duties as required.

GENERAL BGCB EXPECTATIONS

• Healthy Behavior Modeling Teaching youth/teens the importance of living an active, healthy lifestyle is a BGCB priority. As a result, all staff is expected to model healthy behavior while collaborating with our members.
• Inclusive Environment BGCB values creating child-friendly environments, where youth/teens of all abilities can be successful and participate. BGCB expects employees to embrace its focus on inclusion of all members, regardless of disability or developmental challenge.
• Continuous Learning Building the capacity of staff is central to BGCB. The organization encourages and requires that all staff participates in annual professional development opportunities that continue to cultivate their skills in the youth development field.
• Safe Spaces Every staff member shares the responsibility for ensuring BGCB is, and remains, an environment free of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program approved by the Massachusetts Board of Nursing.
• Current unrestricted Massachusetts Nursing License.
• Current BLS/CPR/AED certification.
• Ability to perform nursing assessments and provide first aid and emergency care.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality and comply with applicable health information privacy requirements.
• Understanding of applicable state regulations and ability to follow standing orders and medical orders from licensed practitioners.
• Strong communication skills, particularly interpersonal communication.
• Ability to convey medical and health information to youth, families, and staff in a clear and accessible manner.
• Understanding of and ability to apply health counseling and guidance techniques.
• Ability to work effectively with youth and families from a variety of backgrounds.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with colleagues, families, health care providers, and community partners.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston