26-27 Certified School Nurse (District Wide)

Certified School Nurse

The job of Certified School Nurse is established for the purpose of assessing the health needs of students; developing emergency care plans and individual health plans incorporating input from parent and/or physician; complying with the laws relating to student health, including parental and guardian consent; providing appropriate care for ill, medically fragile and/or injured students; providing health information and serving as a resource to teachers, staff, and administrators; identifying health problems for referral for proper treatment; providing leadership and coordination of the comprehensive School Health Program; and mentoring of all school nurses. This job reports to the Director of Educational Services.

Essential Functions:

• Administers first aid, medication and specialized medical treatments for the purpose of providing appropriate care for ill, medically fragile and/or injured children in accordance with State laws and District policies.
• Administers mandated screenings (e.g. vision, dental, hearing, etc.) for the purpose of referring medical conditions and/or providing appropriate care for ill, medically fragile and/or injured children.
• Assesses situations involving students' safety, abuse (physical, sexual, drug, etc.) and other health related issues for the purpose of identifying problems, referring for proper treatment and complying with legal requirements.
• Collaborates with parents, students, health care providers, and/or public agencies for the purpose of promoting and/or securing student health services, providing information and complying with legal requirements.
• Conducts age appropriate programs and/or activities in conjunction with classroom curriculum for the purpose of supporting established lesson plans.
• Conducts site assessments (e.g. health issues, student health records, emergency preparedness, building/grounds environments, building facilities, etc.) for the purpose of identifying issues and/or providing recommendations for improving safety and accessibility.
• Counsels students and families on health conditions and lifestyle issues (e.g. mental health, pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, substance abuse, etc.) for the purpose of facilitating a healthier student population.
• Develops individual student health care plans and emergency care plans for students with special care needs (e.g. plans, interprets, establishes, evaluates, etc.) for the purpose of addressing students' health needs, providing direction to site personnel and/or implementing directions provided by parents and/or physicians.
• Implements health care plans for students with health problems for the purpose of meeting the needs of students with chronic health problems and/or accommodation requirements.
• Maintains contact with parents/guardians for the purpose of advising them of changes in student health and/or recommending further medical and/or emotional intervention.
• Maintains students confidential files, records and reports as required for compliance with various state, federal and administrative regulations (e.g. health care plans, agency referrals, accident reports, health services report, immunization reports, med counts, etc.) for the purpose of providing information required by legal requirements and professional standards.
• Mentors and trains school nurses for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
• Monitors students referred for illness and/or injury for the purpose of attending to their immediate health care concerns and initiating follow-up care.
• Orders supplies and materials as needed for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
• Participates in a variety of meetings, workshops and seminars, Individual Educational Plan meetings, and interdisciplinary teams for the purpose of gathering, conveying and/or sharing information on students' health needs, service delivery, educational programs and/or improving skills and knowledge.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
• Provides care to students with chronic illnesses and to extremely high-risk students (e.g. allergies, asthma, diabetes, seizures, medically fragile, etc.) for the purpose of assisting the child in achieving the highest possible functional level.
• Provides training on a variety of health related subjects (e.g. CPR, disaster preparedness, child abuse, health education, medication management, policies and procedures, substance abuse, growth and development, food allergies, OSHA, hygiene, training opportunities and in-services for nurses, etc.) for the purpose of promoting a healthy lifestyle and/or acting as a resource to students, teachers, and other school personnel.
• Refers students requiring additional medical attention for the purpose of providing required follow-up treatment and services.
• Reports health and safety issues to assigned administrator and appropriate agencies (e.g., fights, suspected child or substance abuse, contagious diseases, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining students' personal safety, a positive learning environment, and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.
• Researches a variety of topics relating to health and medical care (e.g. wellness, nutrition, treatment protocols, childhood diseases, etc.) for the purpose of providing information to staff, students, parents, and the public.
• Responds to emergency medical situations (e.g. severe falls, seizures, prescription reactions, bleeding, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring appropriate immediate medical attention and related follow-up action.

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

SKILLS are required to perform single, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; administering first aid; handling hazardous materials/waste; effective listening; interpersonal aptitude; operating equipment used in clinical setting; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read technical information, compose a variety of documents; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: health standards and hazards; safety practices and procedures; stages of child development; age appropriate activities/behaviors; codes/laws/rules/regulations/policies; knowledge of community resources; and pediatric and family nursing practices.

ABILITY is required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; often gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with diverse individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is significant. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adaptability/flexibility to changing work priorities; communicating with persons of diverse backgrounds/knowledge/skills; dealing with distraught, angry, or hostile individuals; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; working as part of a team; providing information and/or training; decision making; multi-tasking; organizing; and maintaining effective working relationships.

Responsibility:

Responsibilities include: working independently under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others. Utilization of resources from other disciplines may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization's services.

Working Environment:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; and some fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking, and 20% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment under conditions with exposure to risk of injury.

Experience:

Job related experience is desired

Education:

Bachelor's degree in job-related area

Certificates and Licenses:

Valid Illinois Professional Educator License Designated Subject Matter Endorsement- School Nurse

Salary and Benefits: Per KEA Contract