School Nurse/RN

JOB DESCRIPTION: RN/SCHOOL NURSE

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current Connecticut RN Licensure
• Minimum of three (3) years work experience in the past five (5) years preferred
• Preferably he/she should have background in pediatric nursing, school nursing, or public health nursing
• Twelve academic credits or the equivalent in CEU's or workshop hours beyond the basic preparation in nursing
• Ten hours of continuing education in school health every two (2) years
• Current Certification in CPR

The school nurse should have:

• Have completed or be in process of obtaining a baccalaureate degree preferably in nursing or, in lieu of that, in health or a related field; OR
• Certification as a school nurse by a national certifying body (when eligible)

*Minimum requirements mandated by Connecticut State Regulations 10-212-1 to


10-212-7

REPORTS TO: The school nurse is accountable to the school health supervisor for clinical practice.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:


Under Section 20-87a(b) of the Connecticut General Statues the definition of nursing is as follows: "The practice of nursing by a registered nurse is defined as the process of diagnosing human responses to actual or potential health problems, case finding and referral, collaborating in the implementation of the total health care regimen and executing the medical regimen under the direction of a licensed physician or dentist."

The school nurse in cooperation and consultation with the medical advisor, other health professionals, educators, and schools personnel, assumes the initiative and responsibility for providing a wide variety of health care services designated to promote and protect the student's optimal health status. As an integral member of the schools staff, the school nurse contributes to the planning, implementation, and evaluation. The nurse acts as a health advocate for all school children and coordinates the resources of home, schools, and community as they pertain to the health of students and staff. The school nurse implements state laws, Boards of Education policies, and administrative procedures relative to health services in assigned schools.


ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Applies appropriate theory as a basis for decision making in nursing practice
2. Represents the School Health Services and the Board of Education in a professional manner at all times, using courtesy and tact when dealing with students, parents, staff, visitors, etc.
3. Implements and maintains a comprehensive school program at the building level by:

1. Promoting and maintaining open and effective relationships and communications between family and school with regard to health and safety
2. Consulting with the school health supervisor and the building administrator to implement, review, and recommend revisions in policies and procedures for the school health program
3. Actively participates in the training of principals and teachers in the safe administration of medications in the school setting according to state regulations
4. Arranging in-service programs for school personnel on first aid, emergency care procedures, current health issues, and other relative matters
5. Establishes a process to identify students at risk for health problems and communicating relevant health needs to other school personnel
6. Maintains a state mandated cumulative health record on each student including a health history (health assessments, immunization status, individualized health care plan (IHCP), emergency health care plan, nurses' and dental notes, medication records, and any records regarding the health and welfare of the student
7. Implements and evaluates the response to the orders of physician's regarding medication and/or treatments needed during the school day, performs specialized treatments for complex health care needs of students
8. Develops a written plan of care including interventions for the medically fragile, students with potentially life-threatening diagnosis, and/or any medical condition that may lead to difficulties
9. Evaluates response and effectiveness of the plan of care and/or treatment with the student, parent, and other school disciplines
10. Documents observations and nursing care given to students to include interventions, student response, and effectiveness
11. Provides first aid, emergency services to students and staff, health counseling, etc. Serves as a resource person for health and safety within the school building, is on call for emergencies at other in the absence of a school nurse
12. Participates in the CST/PPT process. Participates in the student's/family's teaching to meet individual learning needs
13. Prepares and arranges for school physicals, including blood and urine screenings, growth and developmental measurements, blood pressure screening, tuberculosis testing, and immunization updates as needed
14. Presents classes and/or slide presentations with regard to screening programs and health/safety
15. Makes home visits as needed
16. Participates in kindergarten registration and assists with enrollment of new students by obtaining a health status of each student and is available to answer parental questions concerning School Health services
17. Initiates and follows-up on referrals made for illness, injury, screening failures (vision, hearing, scoliosis), and to various social agencies
18. Informing school personnel about adaptations of the school program or environment required by students to meet their individual needs
19. Serves as a student/family advocate in assuring student and family rights, dignity, and confidentiality
20. Identifies health and safety problems in the school environment and actively participates in corrective measures and follow-up
21. Provides for a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors in conjunctions with school support staff
22. Maintains a daily log of services and submits a monthly report to the school health supervisor

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

1. Participates in staff meetings and appropriate committees
2. Attends and participates in continuing education programs, seminars, and/or conferences for personnel and professional development
3. Maintains CPR certification
4. Assumes professional responsibilities through membership and active participation in appropriate professional organizations
5. Participates in regular evaluation of his/her practice through peer review and/or other means to assure quality nursing care for students, staff, and visitors

Physical Abilities and Working Conditions:


The Physical Abilities and Other Conditions of Employment listed in this section are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of Physical Abilities and Other Conditions of Employment that may be required of positions in this class. Norwich Public School District encourages persons with disabilities who are interested in employment in this class and need reasonable accommodation of those disabilities to contact the Personnel Department for further information.

• Performing the job duties of this position requires the following physical demands: reaching, some lifting, standing, walking, carrying, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, sitting, and/or crawling.
• Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment
• Must be able to assist in the lifting/carrying of students in excess of 50 pounds
• Occasional exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather

Terms of Employment: Salary and work year as determined by the union contract.

Benefits: Eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that may include health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement benefits; paid leave, including sick, vacation, and personal leave, as applicable; and other employment benefits in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements, Board of Education policies, and/or employment terms.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of support service personnel.