School Nurse

School Nurse

The School Nurse acts as a care provider and educator who collaborates with parents and teachers to provide quality health care to students in the school community. School Nurses are accountable to practice in accordance with the policies of the school system and current practices of the Tennessee Board of Nursing. To provide assessment, screening, planning, intervention, evaluation, counseling, management and/or referrals concerning the health and medical care needs of students for the purpose of minimizing absences due to illness, maximizing educational opportunities, and creating a healthy school climate.

Works collaboratively with health care providers, students, parents, school district staff and community agencies to ensure access and continuity of care for students. Assists in the establishment and maintenance of a comprehensive school health program. Collects information about the health development status of students for compliance with state immunization regulations and Board of Education policies. Conducts school programs of immunization, physical examinations, and sight and hearing testing. Performs nursing assessment for students who are ill or injured; applies appropriate theory as basis for providing first aid, nursing care, intervention and referrals for those students. Evaluates nursing care provided and changes plan of care as necessary. Implements Board policy with respect to the exclusion and readmission of students in connection with certain infectious and contagious diseases (e.g., Tuberculosis). Maintains accurate records and documentation in accordance with state and federal law, and Board of Education policies. Develops individual health care plan (ICHP) when needed with specific goals, nursing diagnosis, and interventions delineating school-nursing actions unique to students' needs and for incorporation into the student's individualized educational plan (IEP). Intervenes as guided by the nursing care plan to implement nursing actions that promote, maintain or restore health, prevent illness and effect rehabilitation. Serves as a member of school teams as designated health care professional (e.g., Crisis Teams, PPT, Section 504). Provides guidance, counseling and health education to students, parents and employees as necessary. Reports to parents, school district personnel, physicians, clinics, and others as needed to meet student health needs. Provides instruction and training regarding the Heimlich Maneuver, Blood Borne Pathogen training, the school district's Emergency plan, and with regard to providing care for students, including students with disabilities. Contributes to nursing and school health through innovations in theory; practice and participation in research, including narrative and statistical reports. Provides medical assessment to school district employees as requested. Provides health education to students as requested. Notifies the appropriate person or agency of student's injury/illness in accordance with Board policy as necessary. Confers with parents, students and school district staff and professionals to interpret health and developmental assessments. Performs other related tasks as assigned by supervisors or other administrators.

Uses medical equipment to provide health care to students/staff, including, but not limited to, blood glucose monitor, stethoscopes, thermometers, sphygmomanometers. Uses personal computers. Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, first aid, illnesses and injuries, nutrition, and related areas. Ability to diagnose and provide care for ill or injured students. Ability to convey appropriate medical information to school district staff or medical professionals to ensure a proper maintenance in the school setting. Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed for position. Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Powerpoint, the Internet, Outlook, electronic mail). Ability to problem solve job-related issues. Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals and students with special needs. Ability to follow oral and written orders from supervisors, administrators, physicians, and to coordinate work with principal, teachers and others. Ability to describe orally and in writing school health services provided, issues and concerns regarding school health. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work. Adheres to all applicable professional safety standards and practices in the nursing field, including requirements set forth in federal and state law, and Occupational Safety and Health regulations. Implements Board Policy regarding Blood Borne Pathogens and other Board policies regarding the medical or health care of employees and students. Frequent travel between schools may be required. Work in standard school building environment. Exposure to body secretions, blood borne pathogens, medicine and medicinal supplies, illnesses and diseases.