Public health nurse - school public health nurse - school

School Nurse (RN)
Work Unit:
Lead Nurse/Principal(s)
Contract Length:
Overtime Status:
Union Status:
NMPED Professional School Nurse
Note: All positions with Santa Fe Public Schools require a post-offer/pre-employment background check. Ensures comprehensive delivery of health services to students. Provides age-appropriate, culturally sensitive care in a safe environment. Assures and coordinates continuity of care between settings and caregivers. Monitors and manages medical information promptly. Communicates effectively in school and community settings with students, staff, parents, and care providers.

Education/Training/Experience:
Graduation from a registered nursing program. Licensed as a school nurse by the New Mexico Public Education Department.
Bachelor's degree in nursing. 2+ years of experience in school nursing, community health, or public health. Bilingual: English - Spanish.

Knowledge of nursing process and theory, standard nursing practices and procedures, immunization requirements, communicable disease prevention and control, HIPAA/FERPA regulations, screening methods related to vision, hearing, and dental health, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Knowledge of SFPS district policies and procedures as they apply to health services, Special Education procedures (IEP & 504), and classroom-teaching methods. Knowledge of state and federal guidelines that affect student access to healthcare. Use of audiometer, otoscope, electronic sphygmomanometer, electronic thermometer, computerized record keeping, vision screening equipment, and other medical equipment required by individual students' needs. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with students, family, staff, community agencies, and health care providers. Advanced interpersonal skills for working with diverse populations, both in person and on the telephone. Performs all functions in accordance with established policies, procedures, safety and environmental regulations, facility and computer security policies and procedures. Implements health policies and procedures of the local district and state health agencies.

• Identifies health problems through screening procedures, assessment, and evaluation of the students.
• Makes appropriate referrals based on data obtained from screening procedures.
• Maintains student health and immunization records and performs appropriate follow-up.
• Provides emergency care and first aid for all students and employees.
• Authorizes exclusion and re-admission of students in connection with infectious and contagious diseases.
• Serves as a consultant and resource person to staff, parents, and medically fragile students by identifying community resources.
• Advises teachers and consults with parents on health matters, particularly regarding screening for student health concerns.
• Serves on and/or attends committee meetings and conferences regarding health services and curriculum.
• Serves on SST, IEP, and 504 meetings when the student has a health condition that affects his/her ability to learn.
• Participates in in-service training programs, workshops, and continuing education to maintain professional credentials and competency.
• Serves as a consultant in matters of school health, safety, health education, and sanitary conditions.
• Assists the Principal and Lead Nurse in the performance of any other health-related assignments.
• Responds to emergencies at other SFPS campuses.
• Assists in supervising, training, and delegating assignments, medication administration, and procedures to medically fragile health assistants.
• Develops and implements individual healthcare plans.
• Manages and oversees the implementation of the District medication policy.
• Reviews, administers, and documents immunizations as deemed appropriate for student health. Works in immunization clinics.
• Attends all mandatory in-service training meetings.
• Participates in the ongoing operation of school-based health centers and acts as a leader when appropriate.
• Assists in preparing and administering a health services budget, and seeks opportunities to apply for outside sources of funding for the school health service program at district and campus levels.
• Assumes leadership in the establishment of a school health service advisory committee with representation from such groups as school administration, faculty, students, parents, and community providers.
• Develops and implements research projects to attain pertinent health information.
• Uses nursing processes to develop goals, objectives, action steps, and assessments of programs.
• Coordinates planning with interdisciplinary colleagues at the national, state, and local levels in the coordinated school health service program.
• Acts as a mentor and assists new district school nurses, and coordinates with local community professional health members, including student nurses and other health professionals.
• Level 2: $65,000

New Mexico School Health Manual (Dept. of Health), Quality Nursing Interventions in the School Setting: Procedures, Models and Guidelines (NASN, Hootman), computer, audiometer, sphygmomanometer, otoscope, electronic thermometer, wheelchairs, and other medical equipment required by an individual student's healthcare plan. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and private transportation.

Physical strength and ability to assist injured students and staff members by positioning or moving them according to established procedures in emergencies. Environmental Conditions:
Most work is performed in an indoor setting at a school site. Occasional travel to other campus locations to assist in emergencies.

Personal Accountability:

• Demonstrates skill in the use of equipment, including its capabilities, limitations, and appropriate/special applications.
• Protects the district's resources by using supplies and equipment appropriately and carefully.
• Santa Fe Public Schools does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, medical/genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.