School Nurse

School Nurse

Passaic Board of Education, Passaic, New Jersey

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree, or appropriate education required by New Jersey statutes and regulations.
• Hold a valid New Jersey educational services certificate with the School Nurse endorsement; or the appropriate endorsement in accordance with the requirements of New Jersey statutes and regulations.
• Hold a license as a registered professional nurse (RN) in New Jersey.
• Hold and maintain a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification and Automated External Defibrillators (AED) certification as issued by the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, the National Safety Council, or other entities as identified by New Jersey state statutes and regulations.
• Complete training in airway management and in the use of nebulizers and inhalers as identified by New Jersey state statutes and regulations.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of child growth and development, wellness education, community health and social service resources, and current health issues.
• Show evidence of successful healthcare experience, with a preference to experience teaching and working with children and adolescents.
• Demonstrated management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent collaboration, organization, and outreach skills.
• Required criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.

Reports To:

• Principal, Assistant Principal, Supervisor, or other certificated administrative or supervisory personnel

Performance Responsibilities:

• Establish and promote high standards and expectations for all students and staff for excellent academic performance.
• Work in concert with the school administration, Medical Inspector/Board Physician and other medical personnel who are appointed by the Board, completing appropriate records and reports and carrying out medical orders that may be issued.
• Carry out the written orders of the medical home and standing orders of the Medical Inspector/Board Physician.
• Conduct health screenings, which include height, weight, blood pressure, hearing, vision, and scoliosis pursuant to N.J.A.C 6A:16-2.2; and monitor vital signs and general health status for emergent issues for students suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and controlled dangerous substances pursuant to N.J.S.A 18A:40-4 and 12.
• Plan and conduct the health screening, biennial nursing assessments, health appraisals, and health surveys as established by the Board. Make referrals as indicated, and informing parents and appropriate staff of the need for corrective care.
• Maintain and ensure the confidentiality of a complete up-to-date student health record. Such records include, but are not limited to immunization data, tuberculosis (TB) testing, screenings, referrals, follow-up required, and specific medical conditions.
• Recommend to the school principal students who shall not be admitted to, or retained in the school building based on a parent's failure to provide evidence of the child's immunization according to the schedules specified in statute.
• Annually review student immunization records to confirm with the medical home that the medical condition for the exemption from immunization continues to be applicable, pursuant to statute.
• Recommend to the school principal exclusion of students who show evidence of communicable disease, pursuant to state statute.
• Complete and submit in a timely fashion all medical forms and reports, including accident reports, as required by statute, regulation, policy, or as requested.
• Fulfill New Jersey requirements and district policies for communicable disease control and the exclusion and readmission of pupils for reasons of health, reviewing all doctor and medical notes submitted to the school by students and parents. Provide instruction to all teachers on methods to detect the first signs of communicable disease.
• Direct and supervise the emergency administration of epinephrine and glucagon, and train school staff designated to serve as delegates, pursuant to statute.
• Administer asthma medication through the use of a nebulizer.
• Administer medication to students in accordance with law, policy, and regulation(s).
• Follow protocols that provide for crisis intervention for acute illness, injury and emotional disturbances.
• Assist in the development of, and implementing health care procedures for students in the event of an emergency.
• Provide emergency care arising from accident and illness at school. Make arrangements for treatment at hospitals or clinics in an emergency or when requested by the school principal.
• Understand and follow established procedures for sanitation and hygiene in the handling of body fluids. Ensure that all staff understand and follow established procedures.
• Address staff annually regarding universal precautions.
• Follow acceptable and established procedures for the disposal of medical waste.
• Select, recommend for purchase, and store appropriate medical supplies and equipment necessary to operate a school health office. Recommend a budget to support the health services program.
• Assume a leadership role in identifying students with health problems that may interfere with effective learning. Advise the school administrator, I&RS Team, Child Study Team, and instructional personnel when the need to make adjustments in the instructional program is required as a result of a health condition.
• Work with community health agencies and resources to provide a comprehensive and coordinated health services program for the school and its students.
• Participate as a health specialist on the Child Study Team and the Intervention and Referral Team in the identification and placement of students in need of special services.
• Review and summarize available health and medical information regarding the student in transmitting a summary of relevant health and medical information to the Child Study Team for meetings pursuant to state statute.
• Consult with the Child Study Team, Attendance Officer, and other school personnel regarding the health of a child and the home situation, recognizing that the total family health and home status is important to the welfare of the child.
• Direct and supervise the health services activities of any school staff to whom the certified school nurse has delegated a nursing task.
• Write and update, at least annually, the individualized health care plans and the individualized emergency health care plans for students' medical needs, and instruct staff as appropriate.
• Write and update, at least annually, any written health care provisions required under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, for any student who requires them.
• Notify immediately appropriate personnel and required agencies of any evidence of substance abuse, child abuse, child neglect, severe medical conditions, potential suicide, or individuals appearing to be under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or anabolic steroids. Follow district policy for crisis intervention and Department of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) reporting.
• Counsel students, staff, and parents concerning health issues, care, treatment, and other community health issues.
• Serve as a resource to the instructional staff in developing curriculum, modifying instruction and selecting the materials used to meet the curriculum standards for a comprehensive health education program.
• Teach students, upon request of classroom teacher or school administrator selected health topics including but not limited to:
• Health promotion and disease prevention concepts and health-enhancing behaviors.
• Health-enhancing personal, interpersonal, and life skills.
• Effects of the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
• Biological, social, cultural, and psychological aspects of human sexuality and family life.
• Health-related fitness concepts.
• Career planning and workplace readiness skills.
• Critical thinking, decision-making, and problem solving skills.
• Self-management skills.
• Safety principles.
• Serve as a resource to classroom teachers on comprehensive health related instruction so that all students demonstrate competency in the curriculum standards.
• Instruct teachers on communicable disease and other health concerns pursuant to state statute.
• Understand and communicate current developments in the health field through reading of professional journals, participation in professional development, and involvement in professional organizations.
• Recommend policies and procedures that promote a healthy school environment and a clean, safe facility. Identify and communicate to the school administrator any unsafe practices or conditions.
• Attend required staff meetings and serve, as appropriate, on staff committees.
• Maintain a safe and clean health office including the care and maintenance of all health office equipment needed to carry out job functions and responsibilities.
• Display the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with students, parents, school personnel, and other agencies associated with the school.
• Protect confidentiality of records and information gained