Certified School Nurse

School Nurse

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in nursing from accredited institution of higher learning. Consistent record of satisfactory work performance. Clear record and background checks, including criminal and child abuse clearances (Acts 34, 114, and 151). Valid registered nurses' license from the state of Pennsylvania. Current Pennsylvania school nurse certification. Professional maturity in dealing with children, staff members, school personnel, parents, and community members. Additional or alternatives to the above qualifications as determined to be appropriate.

Summary The school nurse strengthens and facilitates the educational experience by modifying or removing health-related barriers to learning for individual students and by promoting an optimal level of wellness for students and staff. The nurse assumes responsibility for appropriate assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, management, and/or referral activities; serves as a link between physicians, families, and community agencies to assure access and continuity of health care for students; provides relevant instruction, counseling, and guidance to students, parents, staff, and others concerning health related issues; upholds professional standards the state Nurse Practice Act, and other state and local statutes and regulations applicable to school nursing practice; and adheres to district policies and administrative guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Appraises the health statues of pupils and school personnel. Implements PA State Mandated Programs. Counsels pupils, teachers, parents, and others for the purpose of helping pupils obtain needed treatment or for arranging school programs in keeping with their needs. Helps prevent communicable diseases and their spread. Provides emergency care for injury or sudden sickness. Protects and promotes the health of school personnel. Applies appropriate theory as basis for decision-making in nursing. Establishes and maintains a comprehensive school health program. Collects information about the health and development status of the student in a systematic and continuous manner. Uses data collected about the health and developmental status of the student to determine a nursing diagnosis. Develops a plan of care unique to student needs. Intervenes to implement nursing actions that promote maintain, or restore health, prevent illness, and effect rehabilitation. Assess student responses to nursing actions in order to revise nursing diagnosis and plan of care and to determine progress made toward goal achievement. Collaborates with other professionals in planning to assure quality of health care provided to students. Assists students, families, and school personnel to achieve optimal levels of wellness through health education. Assumes responsibility for continuing education and professional development and contributes to the professional growth of others. Performs other tasks and assumes other responsibilities as assigned by the building principal and/or Director of Community and Student Services.

The Allentown School District is committed to excellence! The richness of The Allentown School District's diversity is strengthened by its central role in educating our students for America's future through academic excellence and celebrating the culturally responsive, athletic and artistic range of talent in the schools. ASD students originate from 51 countries and speak 26 languages. The Allentown School District offers a comprehensive benefits package to those who qualify. This may include medical insurance, dental insurance, vision reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, personal and sick time, and PSERS Retirement Fund. Eligibility for specific benefits will be outlined in each labor group's specific collective bargaining agreement.