School Nurse for the School Year

School Nurse

The professional school nurse is responsible for planning, implementing, coordinating and evaluating school health services within the context of the North Carolina Coordinated School Health Program Model. The school nurse serves in the roles of school health program manager, direct care provider, coordinator, case manager, advocate, collaborator, educator and school health program facilitator for students in assigned schools.

Considerable knowledge of pediatric and adolescent nursing. Knowledge of public health and community health nursing. Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, regulations and standards pertaining to school nursing practice, North Carolina Nurse Practice Act, Standards of School Nursing practice and the eight components of the North Carolina Coordinated School Health Program. Working knowledge of management of communicable diseases and additional public health situations as well as ability to coordinate with other health and social service agencies Working knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations affecting the delivery of school health services School as a non-traditional health care setting Some knowledge of the school organization and the school community. Ability to develop positive, collaborative working relationships and to coordinate and facilitate services between the school, local health agency, and other community resources Working knowledge of student health privacy, student health records, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Completion of training necessary for licensing as a registered nurse, BA of Science in Nursing Required. A foundation in nursing practice which must include at least 2 years of experience working in a hospital or health clinic. Experience should include working in practice areas such as pediatrics, medical-surgical nursing or emergency nursing; all or some are preferred but not required. Certification by the National Board for Certification of School Nurses. American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BCLS) required.

Promotes and protects the optimal health status of students. Provides and oversees direct care activities, medication administration, health care procedures and development of emergency and individual health plans. Abides by as well as assists in the formation of health policies, procedures, goals and objectives for the school system. Manages and monitors communicable disease, immunizations and continually assesses the school environment to prevent injury and maximize student/staff safety. Guided by the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), plans and implements Individualized Health Plans (IHP) and services for children with disabilities and/or health conditions which interfere with learning. Actively participates in school plans which address emergencies, school violence, mental health crises and bullying. Provides interventions and referral to community agencies as needed for health conditions and counseling and mental health needs. Coordinates health screening activities such as vision, hearing and dental screening and follow-up as necessary. Provides training to staff regarding recognition of signs and symptoms of illness, disease and emergencies. Actively participates in decisions related to delegation of health care tasks to support staff in accordance with the North Carolina nurse practice act and state law. Collects and evaluates student health data; contributes to the annual North Carolina school health report. Facilitates and maintains communication with parents/guardians about the health needs for their child during the school day. Accurately documents health care activities.

Ability to be physically active, which includes, but is not limited to, standing, pushing, pulling, squatting, bending, sitting, and walking, including repetitive motions. Ability to stand in excess of 6 hours. Ability to lift 15-30 pounds routinely and 30-100 pounds occasionally. Must be able to facilitate the evacuation of students during emergency situations and/or drills. Must be able to visually, auditorily, and physically monitor student performance and conduct. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.