Nurse Substitute

School Nurse

Primary Purpose:

Implement district health services program to best meets the needs of the student population on the assigned campus. Provide health services to students.

Qualifications:

Graduate of an accredited professional nursing education program

Valid Registered Nurse license (RN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) from the Texas Board of Nursing

Current automatic external defibrillator (AED) and cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificates

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of health appraisal to identify student health defects

Ability to implement policies and procedures

Knowledge of basic first aid

Ability to write routine reports and correspondence

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

Nursing experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Nursing Services:

Provide direct care using professional assessment skills, the nursing process, individualized healthcare plans (IHPs), and established school health protocols. Provide health counseling and instruction to individual students.

Assess student problems, communicate with parents regarding individual students, and ensure appropriate referrals and follow up as needed. Serve as a liaison between school personnel, the family, healthcare professionals, and the community.

Notify parents of accident or illness. Secure emergency medical care for students as needed.

Implement individualized healthcare plans (IHPs) and evaluate outcomes of skilled and direct nursing care and procedures for medically fragile students to ensure safe integration of the student into the school environment.

Ensure that medications are administered to students according to district policy and procedures.

Consultation:

Collaborate closely with campus principal and other staff to ensure a healthy school environment. Work to meet the health needs of the general school population and those students with identified health conditions.

Advise campus administration in crisis or emergency situations and participate in assessment and reporting of suspected child abuse.

Administration:

Compile and maintain daily records, and other documents required, including clinic records and accurate and confidential student health records such as immunization records, medication administration records, individual student treatment records, and IHPs.

Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, Texas Department of Health rule, State Board of Education rule, and board policy. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.

Report potential health and safety hazards to principal.

Professional Development:

Maintain professional nursing skills and knowledge as required by the Texas Nurse Practice Act and the Texas Board of Nursing including certification for mandated screenings and Basic Life Support for Healthcare providers (CPR/AED).

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard medical clinic equipment including automated external defibrillator (AED); special needs adaptive equipment; standard office equipment including computer and peripherals

Posture: Frequent standing, sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension

Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and position of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting nonambulatory students

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress