SCHOOL NURSE

Job Description

Job Description

ST. COLETTA OF GREATER WASHINGTON                                   CLASS SPECIFICATION

SCHOOL NURSE

Definition

Under direct supervision of the School Nurse Lead, the incumbent is responsible for providing nursing care and health services to students and staff as needed. Employees in this classification are responsible for addressing medical emergencies, assessing circumstances and conditions, and resolving such according to established procedures and protocols. Important aspects of the job include ensuring that all student medical and medication records are documented accurately and timely manner, and providing various medical/medication in-service trainings to staff.  It is important to note that while providing medical or medication services, the nurse is responsible for the supervision of a student(s), which may require the ability to keep up with a running student and or to lift or assist with lifting the student. This is essential to perform this task .

In accordance with the federal wage-hour laws, this is a salaried position and is not subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA) minimum wage and overtime pay requirements.

Other Performance Measures:

Successful performance on the job requires following safety guidelines and policies to reduce accident or injury to self or students, school dress standards, proper attendance and leave policies and compliance with other policies set forth in the Employee Handbook.  Creativity, initiative and effective problem solving is also important to the success of the incumbent. Attend and participate in weekly team, staff and development meetings; read and accept responsibility for weekly staff notes and all policies and procedures.  Complete all paperwork accurately and timely.  Perform bus duty detail as assigned. Support the overall school mission through volunteer opportunities and contribute to the smooth operation of the school day.

Examples of Essential Functions

• Administer student medications daily, and update and maintain accurate medical and medication records.
• Obtain and maintain required DCPS health forms such as immunization records, physical and dental exams, etc.
• Perform and document intake interviews with new and potential students.
• Evaluate and create emergency care plans as needed for students with health concerns.
• Obtain signed doctor’s order for medication and/or contact doctors regarding student medications or other concerns as needed.
• Maintain an up-to-date record of medications taken by students in school and at home.
• Maintain a log of any student illnesses, injuries, treatments and results.
• Contact parents/guardians regarding student medical issues, and log each parent contact.
• Advise school administrators of possible medical emergencies.
• Training teachers and classroom staff in the proper administration of medications and in medical procedures such as suctioning, tube feeding (NG or G tubes), and administering medications through tubes.
• Report immediately, any suspected physical/sexual abuse of a student to the School Principal and/or Assistant Principal and Social Workers.
• Maintain and ensure the integrity, confidentiality and security of student information and records.
• Serve as a health education resource to students and staff.
• Order necessary medical equipment and supplies to accommodate student needs.
• Maintain record log of medical trainings provided to staff.
• Ability to exert moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, kneeling, crouching, crawling and brisk walking, and which may involve lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (45 lbs.).
• Ability to lift and position physically disabled individuals may be required.  
• Most tasks require oral communication, visual and hearing perception, and the ability to move around the classrooms, cafeteria, gym, campus, etc.  
• The ability to keep up with running children and or to lift or assist with lifting students is essential.
• Maintain confidentiality of parent, student and staff personal identifiable information.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge and understanding of students with intellectual disabilities, autism and multiple disabilities.
• Knowledge of the current Federal guidelines for Special Education.
• Ability to independently problem solve and navigate the steps needed to accomplish the tasks of the position.
• Ability to maintain required documentation of student records.
• Requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Possession of a current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the District of Columbia as issued by the Department of Health.
• Successful completion of the required training courses within a specified period of time
• Tuberculosis screening to assure no significant risk to the health and safety of others.
• Successfully passing a criminal background investigation and pre-employment and random drug screenings.

Examples of Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

·         Working knowledge of professional nursing theory, practices, and standards.

·         Working knowledge of pharmacology and other basic natural and social sciences necessary to provide good nursing care.

·         Skill in nursing assessment and nursing care.

·         Ability to apply nursing principles in the care of the physically disabled or the intellectually disabled.

·         Ability to administer detailed therapeutic prescriptions under general professional supervision.

·         Ability to implement therapeutic nursing interventions.

·         Ability to interpret and follow instructions furnished verbally, in writing, diagram, or schedule form.

·         Ability to read, interpret, and follow safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  

·         Ability to write routine reports and correspondence using English grammar and spelling.

Sensory Requirements

Most tasks require visual perception and discrimination. Some tasks require oral communications ability. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds.

Minimum Acceptable Education and Experience :

Associate’s degree in nursing and possession of a current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the District of Columbia as issued by Department of Health at date of hire; bachelor’s degree in nursing preferred with experience working with children with intellectual disabilities/autism.

Hours of Work -        7:50 AM to 4:00 PM- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

7:50 AM to 3:10 PM – Wednesday