School Nurse

School Nurse

Under limited supervision, administers medical assistance and first aid to students according to school health program procedures prescribed by the district. Performs routine counseling services; refers students and their parents to community agencies and professionals as appropriate. Maintains student health records. Reports to the assigned principal.

Collects and reviews health cards on all students, noting significant information, including allergies, medications, illnesses and health conditions; notifies teachers of all significant health problems of students they work with.

Maintains accurate, complete and confidential health records of students using the computerized School Health Management Program (SNAP) and SASSI software.

Obtains and maintains student immunization records; prepares S.C. certificates of immunization when appropriate documentation is provided; makes referrals to physicals and/or DHEC as necessary; prepares DHEC immunization reports as required.

Manages school health room; sees ill and injured students on a walk-in basis and handles medical emergencies. Notifies parents or physicians, as necessary, in cases requiring medical attention, summons ambulance if necessary.

Participates in the District's screening program for vision, hearing, scoliosis and blood pressure; enters screening results in the SNAP program; determines if further medical consultation or treatment is necessary or advisable; makes referrals and follows up with individual cases as needed.

Monitors students for health problems, including lice infestation, elevated blood sugar levels, etc., and unmet health needs.

Counsels and educates students about their health problems or conditions, disease prevention, hygiene and health maintenance. Provides health instruction, counseling and guidance to parents and staff on subjects such as CPR, first aid, emergency care procedures and special health problems.

Dispenses prescription and non-prescription medications as directed by physician and parent.

Looks for conditions which might indicate the presence of communicable diseases, alerts faculty, parents, physicians and public health authorities when necessary.

Assists in identifying and reporting suspected child abuse/sexual abuse/neglect.

Develops individual health plans for students with handicaps or chronic health conditions; assists in identifying students with special needs.

Identifies and monitors students with extended illnesses/absences and corresponds with attendance clerk and parent concerning illness/absence.

Coordinates health and social services for students between school, family physician, hospitals and community agencies.

Researches illnesses and diseases, and consults with other nurses and health care professionals to determine appropriate care at school.

Ensures compliance with OSHA regulations concerning bloodborne pathogens protocol.

Participates in implementing a system for managing school emergencies and the conduct of actions to prevent both unintentional and intentional injury and/or disease occurrences.

Orders and maintains inventory of health room supplies and equipment.

Prepares and distributes first aid kits for field trips and emergency situations; prepares and distributes minifirst aid kits for all staff members; prepares and maintains code blue equipment and supplies for emergencies.

Compiles data for and prepares various reports and records required by the school, District and other agencies.

Reviews district policies and procedures for student nursing and recommends changes as appropriate to ensure the provision of quality health care.

Reviews Medicaid forms for eligibility; generates monthly Medicaid billing reports.

Performs routine administrative/office tasks as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and correspondence, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, sending and receiving faxes, entering and retrieving computer data, etc.

Interacts and communicates with the immediate supervisor, other school staff, District administrators and staff, professional peers, co-workers, students, parents, physicians, pharmacists, therapists, hospital personnel, other health care providers, social service agency personnel, various government agency personnel, sales representatives, and the public.

Operates various types of office equipment including a computer, printer, typewriter, calculator, audio-visual equipment, fax machine, copier and telephone, and a variety of medical instruments and equipment such as a wheelchair, blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, otoscope, thermometer, nebulizer, audiometer, glucometer, scoliometer, Titmus machine, sphygmomanometer, etc.

Uses clerical, copier and computer supplies, CPR and first aid supplies, medications, eye charts, gloves, protective equipment, thermometer, etc.

Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns and complaints from staff, parents, medical personnel and students regarding nursing services.

Keeps abreast of developments and innovations in the profession; attends training, conferences, workshops, seminars, etc., to enhance job knowledge and skills.

Assists with school registration events and procedures.

May teach growth and development classes for assigned grade(s) and provide related information to parents.

May teach CPR classes for District staff.

May repair damaged eyeglasses as needed.

Requires a bachelor's or associate degree in nursing supplemented by one to two years of nursing experience, preferably in an educational setting, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must be licensed to practice nursing in the state of South Carolina; must possess CPR and First Aid certifications. Must possess a valid state driver's license.