School Nurse-RN

School Nurse (RN)

Exemption Status/Test: Exempt/Professional

Reports to: District Nurse/Principal

Dept./School: Assigned Campus/Elementary

Primary Purpose

Under the supervision of the Principal and the District Nurse- implement district health services program to best meet the needs of the student population on the assigned campus. Provide health services to students. Promote health and safety education for students and preventive health practices for students.

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

Graduate of an accredited professional nursing education program

Valid registered nurse license (RN) from the Texas Board of Nursing or from a state participating in the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)

Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) certification from the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or similar nationally recognized association (to be maintained while holding the position)

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of health appraisal to identify student health defects

Ability to implement policies and procedures

Knowledge of basic first aid

Proficient keyboarding and file maintenance skills

Ability to write routine reports and correspondence

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience: 2 years nursing experience; preferred background in pediatrics, school nursing, or emergency care.

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Nursing Services

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Notify parents of accident or illness. Secure emergency medical care for students as needed.
4. Develop and 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.
5. Ensure that medications are administered to students according to district policy and procedures.
6. Establish and implement effective procedures for carrying out mandatory screening programs.

Instruction

1. Participate in development of campus health education curriculum, educate faculty and staff as needed on health-related topics, and provide health education to individuals and groups including contributing to campus communications to parents and the local community regarding health issues.

Consultation

1. Collaborate closely with campus principal and other staff and provide leadership to ensure a healthy school environment. Work to meet the health needs of the general school population and those students with identified health conditions.
2. Participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee (ARD) meetings of students with identified health needs and develop Individual Health Plans (IHPs). Work with district personnel regarding implementation of IEP goals and services.
3. Advise campus administration in crisis or emergency situations and participate in assessment and reporting of suspected child abuse.

Clerical

1. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, 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.

Compliance

1. 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.
2. Report potential health and safety hazards to principal.
3. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Professional Development

1. 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

* Adapted from Recommended School Health Staff Roles published by the Texas Department of Health School Health Advisory Committee, January 14, 2013.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

For more information, feel free to contact Mindy Early, District Nurse at View email address on click.appcast.io or the Redwater ISD Administration at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Redwater ISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants for all positions are considered without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status. Additionally, the district does not discriminate against an applicant who acts to oppose such discrimination or participates in the investigation of a complaint related to a discriminating employment practice.