Secondary School Nurse

School Nurse

This job will remain open until filled. Position Title: School Nurse Contract: 190 Days Salary: Per Certified Salary Schedule

A nurse who holds an Arkansas Licensed Practical Nurse license based upon a one year nursing program will have a salary computed on the basis of 70% of the corresponding Bachelor's degree amount. A nurse who holds an Arkansas Registered Nurse license based upon an Associate Degree nursing program (AD) will have a salary computed on the basis of 90% of the corresponding Bachelor's degree amount. A nurse who holds an Arkansas Registered Nurse license based upon a Bachelor of Nursing program (BSN) will have a salary computed at the full rate (100%) of the corresponding Bachelor's degree amount. A nurse who holds an Arkansas Registered Nurse license based upon a Bachelor of Nursing program (BSN) plus a Master's Degree will have a salary computed at the full rate (100%) of the corresponding Master's degree amount. A nurse who holds an Arkansas Registered Nurse license based upon a Master of Nursing program (MSN) plus an additional 15 college hours will have a salary computed at the full rate (100%) of the corresponding Master's degree plus 15. To qualify for salary schedule credit, additional college hours or degree must be in nursing courses. Nurses will receive experiential credit for prior nursing service performed outside the Bald Knob School District system in the same manner that teachers receive outside credit as defined by the current Personnel Policy, for school district service only.

Primary Function: The school nurse is required to fulfill many functions within the school setting.

• Clinician: The school nurse is a skilled clinician providing daily nursing care and case management during school hours. Assessing, making effective nursing diagnoses, choosing appropriate interventions, and identifying outcomes are essential skills all school nurses must possess. School nurses develop individual health plans, administer medications and treatments and monitor for compliance or attainment of expected outcomes. Under the direction of an RN, APN, licensed physician or licensed dentist the Licensed Practical Nurse implements the individual health plan, administers medications and treatments and monitors the student or staff for compliance or meeting expected outcomes.
• Advocate: Providing a physically and emotionally safe environment is the primary goal in meeting the needs of the students and staff. This is accomplished through advocacy and negotiating skills. The nurse may also advocate for system changes to meet the health needs of the students and staff.
• Collaborator: School nurses help families navigate complex medical systems and identify resources for healthcare services, financial resources, shelter, food and health promotion.
• Health Educator: The school nurse collaborates with the Director of Health Services, administrators, and teachers in providing health education opportunities and experiences for school age children, families, school personnel and the community that will lead to health behavior change.
• Liaison: As the health liaison to the community, the school nurse is a translator of educational and medical goals and a coordinator between the school and medical communities. It is necessary for the school nurse to possess the ability to communicate effectively with practitioners from education and healthcare while taking every opportunity to promote and clarify the role of the school nurse as an influential and effective partner.

Illustration of Key Responsibilities and Job Duties:

• Follows Arkansas State Board of Nursing Nurse Practice Guidelines for School Nurses.
• Delegate tasks according to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing Nurse Practice Guidelines for School Nurses.
• Ability to work without immediate supervision of a doctor.
• Acts as school/parent/community/health care provider liaison.
• Identifies, assesses, plans, intervenes, and evaluates student health concerns.
• Provides screening for health factors impacting student education and utilizes assembled information to assist students in securing attention or treatment.
• Provides illness/injury assessments and interventions.
• Manages chronic disease management and education.
• Administers and monitors medication administration.
• Performs pediatric nursing procedures such as: gastrostomy feedings, tracheostomy care, and urinary catheterizations.
• Offers education to promote health and prevent teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
• Creates Individualized Nursing Health Care Plans and directs services for students with disabilities and/or health conditions that interfere with learning.
• Develops guidelines for school district health policies, goals, and objectives.
• Provides health assessments and participates in Individualized Education Plan development as necessary.
• Participates in crisis team activities.
• Provides recommendations for health curriculum.
• Exercises discretion with regard to confidentiality, maintains privacy and protection of student and family information, and demonstrates trustworthiness.
• Remain abreast of new or updated information.
• Participate on the district wellness committee.
• Attend and participate in department meetings.
• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy and administrative regulation.
• Serve on committees as assigned.
• Remain current on instructional practices in nursing.
• Must have the ability to lift at least 40 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to endure prolonged standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, occasional reaching above the head or the shoulders, bending, and squatting.

Special Assignments: The school nurse may be assigned other duties relevant to his/her assignment not specifically listed in this position guide.

Organizational Relationships: The school nurse will be evaluated by the Director of Health Services and expected to respond to reasonable requests by Building Principals or Superintendent that is not in conflict with District policy or law.

Position Holder Qualifications:

• Experience preferred in pediatrics, clinics, and hospitals.
• Hold an active Professional Nursing License (RN preferred)
• 2 years licensed nursing experience (3 years preferred)
• Current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for healthcare providers with AED and First Aid

Employee Evaluation: The school nurse will be evaluated according to District policy and Arkansas law for classified employees.

Start Date: The start date will vary depending upon applicant availability.