JOB TITLE:  School Nurse – Registered Nurse Substitute

 

REPORTS TO:        Health Services Director and Building Administrator

 

JOB GOAL:         To enhance the educational process of students by maximizing their health and well-being, modifying or removing health-related barriers to learning, and promoting an optimal level of wellness.

      

JOB SUMMARY:

1. Applies nursing practice to the unique needs of individuals, groups, and populations of schools
2. Promotes, implements and upholds the professional standards of school nursing practice as established by the Kansas Nurse Practice Act
3. Follows state and local health practice statutes, district policies, and administrative guidelines
4. Serves as a medical resource and health advocate for students and staff
5. Assumes the responsibility of appropriate health assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, management, and referrals for students
6. Plays a key role in identifying health concerns and treatment measures, providing instruction, counseling, and guidance in the maintenance of good health practices and disease prevention
7. Serves as a direct link between the healthcare provider, family, and community agency in securing access to health services and is assuring continuity of health care for students 

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Graduate of an accredited professional nursing education program with a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing (preferred)
2. Five years of nursing experience, preferably in community health, pediatrics or adolescent health (preferred)
3. Valid registered nursing license to practice professional nursing in the state of Kansas from the Kansas State Board of Nursing
4. School Nurse Certification through state or national program or board (preferred) 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The school nurse’s duties will vary depending upon the needs of the individual school population; however, the purpose of the school nurse as described in the work summary remains the same.  The duties fall into the following categories:

1. Provider of Health Services

• Conducts mandated screenings for vision, hearing, growth, and dental
• Supervises prescribed medical treatments and medication administration according to district policy
• Provides assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, management, and referral for appropriate medical care of students with acute/chronic health conditions and in emergency situations
• Participates in the development and implementation of a complete and functioning program to provide ongoing emergency health care

2. Manager of Student Health Care

• Assists in the development or revision of policies, procedures, and work standards for the school health services program
• Monitors compliance with current state immunization and health assessment requirements
• Serves as liaison and facilitator for access to health care resources in the community
• Collaborates with school support staff to meet health care needs of students
• Provides identification, assessment, care planning, referral and follow up for students with acute/chronic health care needs and/or communicable diseases
• Serves on school and community committees upon request and as needed as a health care advisor and student advocate

3. Educator/Counselor

• Interprets student health care needs to families and school staff
• Educates families through written communication, verbal contacts, and home visits when necessary to encourage follow-through of health care referrals
• Educates students, staff, and parents/guardians regarding medication administration, medical procedures needed at school, acute/chronic illness management, prevention and control of communicable diseases, emergency care, and other health-related issues
• Provides assistance and counseling for students with psychological and medical concerns and/or physical limitations and assists in adaptation of any limitations
• Serves as consultant and resource for health and wellness promotion, (ie hygiene; nutrition; increasing physical activity; weight management; smoking – consequences/cessation, etc.)
• Provides information regarding the availability of community resources and assistance to families in the utilization of health care and treatment services
• Develops and conducts in-service training sessions for school staff on Bloodborne Pathogens, CPR/First Aid/AED, chronic health, wellness and other health-related topics as needed 

SUPERVISING RESPONSIBILITY:

• The school nurse reports to the Health Services Director and building administrator and is responsible for supervising health professionals, volunteers, and non-health professionals within the scope of practice as a licensed Registered Nurse as outlined in the Kansas Nurse Practice Act.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Frequent district-wide travel and/or possible travel on bus with medically fragile students;
• biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases;
• mentally and physically able to perform job functions;
• lifting up to 50 pounds;
• flexibility to get down on hands and knees to render first aid if needed

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• CPR/First Aid/AED Certified
• Competent in physical assessment, hearing and vision screenings
• Competent in trach care, inhaler/nebulizer treatments, tube feedings, catheterizations, vaccinations, specialized feeding care, and other health services procedures
• Computerized documentation (Word, Excel, email)
• Writes reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals as needed
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of students, staff, parents and the general public
• Creation of Individualized Health Care Plans, Emergency Action Plans, and other written instructions for student health needs
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents, and other professionals

 This is an on call position so hours will vary.