REGISTERED NURSE SPECIALIST

REGISTERED NURSE SPECIALIST - 64006455

This position requires you to work on site at one of our facilities located throughout Broward County. This position requires in-office work or field work. Applicants accepted only from Department of Health employees, (includes OPS, Career Service, SES or SMS employees). Applicants will not be accepted from outside of the department.

The duties and responsibilities are those of an advanced, independent functioning, public health nursing position. The Registered Nurse Specialist (RNS) is assigned to provide advanced, comprehensive public health nursing services in the school health program. Utilizing the nursing process, the incumbent will be required to provide basic school health services including: independently conduct, coordinate and monitor for quality control and assurance. The RNS will perform the functions of the school nurse at assigned comprehensive school to identify students with chronic health conditions and promote student health. Additionally, the RNS is required to assist in guiding the Broward County Health Department Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) assigned to the school. The RNS works with LPN and school staff to decrease student risk-taking behaviors and reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancy at the comprehensive schools in accordance with Florida statute.

Collaborates and coordinates with parents, medical providers, and school personnel to meet the health care needs of students. Completes health assessments, Individual Healthcare Plans and Emergency Care Plans for all students with chronic health conditions. Participates in student planning meetings and other school health related committees regarding health/safety concerns when scheduled. Provides and/or assists with health teaching, guidance, counseling and presentations that are directed towards the promotion and maintenance of optimal health. Provides healthcare services to students including: prepares and administers prescribed medications and treatments per District protocols; prepares for medical emergencies; routinely checks AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and emergency supplies for function and expiration dates; performs CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and First Aid as needed.

Performs Quality Assurance activities including: Maintains medication and medical supply inventory in health clinic and monitors routinely for expiration dates; Monitors and documents health room and health records for compliance with District and Broward County Health Department protocols. Reviews school health practices for adherence to safety policies, procedures, and protocols; Reviews students emergency forms, immunization records, treatment records and medication records. Monitors school compliance for mandatory health screening and immunization compliance according to state guidelines. Conducts & documents Health Trainings including: Child specific trainings to school staff for all students with chronic health conditions requiring interventions at school; Trainings are to be provided to teachers, LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), and other school staff who have interactions with the student; general health training to school personnel, such as: medication administration; chronic health conditions of school-age children; and measures to prevent communicable diseases, risk-taking behaviors and injury as requested; student health education classes that includes resources and information to: promote student success and healthy living; decrease student involvement in risk-taking behaviors; and reduce teenage pregnancy.

Follows Communicable Disease Protocols including: Follows District and Department protocols for isolation of students who exhibit potential symptoms of COVID-19 or are diagnosed with COVID-19 from other students and staff in the school's designated isolation area and provides information and guidance on communicable diseases and acts as liaison between school personnel and Communicable disease health professionals at the Broward County Health Department. Performs mandated student health screenings: vision, growth and development BMI (Body Mass Index), and scoliosis for students who were absent on the date of screening or are new to the school. Contacts the District Audiology Department to schedule hearing screenings for students who were absent on the date of screening or are new to the school. Refers all students with abnormal screening results to appropriate health care provider for further evaluation and treatment per District protocols. Collects, compiles and input data into Health Management Services (HMS) as required and submits Monthly School Health Summary reports as requested. Administers vaccines to infants, children and adults as assigned to the immunization clinic. Provides evidence of nursing certification/licensure prior to expiration date and attends all mandatory nursing trainings. Documents progress and/or problem areas and meetings with the LPN and updates supervisor or designee to review status. Reads, answers and acts upon electronic mail directives as required and keeps abreast of technological developments in Broward County Health Department and School Health. Maintains records and reports, documenting service and care provided as required. Participates in educational, professional and community activities that relate to professional growth and aid in the improvement in the delivery of client care. Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills and abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the position: Knowledge of nursing, public health principles, practices, and/or techniques. Knowledge of Medications & Immunizations and how to administer them. Ability to observe patient's reactions to medications. Knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention. Knowledge of case management skills and investigative and interview techniques. Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, communities, and organizations. Ability to educate staff, clients, organizations, and communities on importance of immunizations and health. Ability to prioritize, organize, and schedule work assignments to meet deadlines. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to utilize a computer for data entry and health record documentation. Ability to maintain records and reports according to program standards Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Minimum qualifications: Willing to work before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency. This may include working in a special needs or Red Cross shelter, or performing other emergency duties including, but not limited to, responses to or threats involving any disaster or threat of disaster, man-made or natural. Current employee of Florida Department of Health. Applicants accepted only from Department of Health employees, (includes OPS, Career Service, SES or SMS employees). Applicants will not be accepted from outside of the department. This position requires current authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship. The Department of Health is unable to provide employment visa sponsorship. Are you authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship? This position requires daily in-office or field work. Willing to physically come in the office daily and perform field work. Valid driver's license, free of major infractions and access to an automobile to be utilized for work purposes. Current Florida licensure as a Registered Nurse. Currently CPR certified.

Preferred qualifications: Bachelor's degree or higher in Nursing from an accredited college or university. Have at least three (3) years of experience in the development and provision of Nursing health education sessions. Have at least two (2) years of experience working as a School Nurse in the K-12 sector. Have at least one (1) year of experience providing immunizations in the public health sector.