Registered Nurse

School Nurse

Implement comprehensive program of health services for campus. Provide health services to students. Promote health education and preventive health practices for students.

Education/Certification:

• Graduate of an accredited professional nursing education program
• Valid registered nurse license to practice professional nursing in Texas from the State Board of Nurse Examiners
• Certified by Texas Department of Health to conduct vision and hearing screening
• CPR Certification

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of health appraisal to identify student health defects
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to implement policies and procedures

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Nursing Services:

• Provide direct care utilizing professional assessment skills, the nursing process, and established school health protocols.
• Serve as health advocate for students.
• Notify parents of accident or illness and secure medical care for students in emergency cases (if parents or emergency contact cannot be reached).
• Coordinate management system to administer medications to students at school. Administer medications according to district policy and procedures.
• Establish and implement effective procedures for mandatory screening programs. Make referrals as necessary.
• Develop and coordinate continuing evaluation of campus health program and make changes based on findings.

Instruction:

• Participate in development of campus health education curriculum and provide health education to individuals and groups.
• Educate faculty and staff as needed on health related topics.
• Provide health counseling and instruction to individual students.

Consultation:

• Serve as health liaison between school, physicians, parents, and community.
• Assess student problems and make appropriate referrals working with students, teachers, parents, and medical and health care professionals as needed.
• Participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee, crisis team, and school committees and develops Individual Health Plan.
• Collaborate with other professionals regarding implementation of health-related Individual Education Plan (IEP) items.
• Participate in assessment and reporting of suspected child abuse.
• Make home visits to help with student health problems as necessary with permission of principal.
• Communicate regularly with principal, health services coordinator, school counselor, teachers, parents, food services, and other staff regarding health services issues.

Administration:

• Review and evaluate immunization records.
• Supervise and train nurse aide(s) and LVN(s) in clinic procedures and responsibilities according to district policy.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required, including clinic records and accurate, updated health records on all students.
• Requisition supplies and equipment needed to maintain clinic inventory.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, Texas Department of Health rule, State Board of Education rule, and board policy in health services area.
• Report potential health and safety hazards to principal.
• Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.

Professional Development:

• Maintain certification in CPR, vision and hearing screening, and as a health screener.
• Model behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Direct the work of licensed vocational nurse (LVN) and assigned health clinic aide(s).

Equipment Used: Thermometer, blood pressure cuff, audiometer, otoscope, sphygmomanometer, vision screening equipment, thermoscan, basic clinic equipment, personal computer, and copier.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Maintain emotional control under stress. Exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases.

*Adapted from School Health Staff Roles published by the Texas Department of Health School Health Advisory Committee, June 2002.