School Nurse

Scope:

The School Nurse provides health services to facilitate the student's optimal physical, mental, emotional and social growth and development. The School Nurse also supports the education process by working to assure the health of the students.

Major Responsibilities:

Delivers nursing and health services according to nursing practice standards. Coordinates and delivers health care needs of students. Administers medications according to developed protocols and follows all state mandated policies concerning medication administration. Ensures a safe environment by properly storing all medications and supplies in the health office. Provides initial health care for on-job injuries and submits appropriate paperwork in a timely manner. Maintains standards of school nursing practice which includes collection of data, assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, triage and delegation. Develops individual health care plan (ICHP) when needed with specific goals, nursing diagnosis, and interventions delineating school-nursing actions unique to students' needs and for incorporation into the student's individualized educational plan (IEP) and / or 504 plan. Intervenes as guided by the nursing care plan to implement nursing actions that promote, maintain or restore health, prevent illness and effect rehabilitation. Empowers and supports students as they learn to advocate for themselves regarding their health care needs. Provides health education and consultation to staff, students and families as needed. Communicates and collaborates with community providers of services for students. Writes and maintains cumulative health records for each student, health office records, monthly statistics, and other reports and documentation consistent with nursing care/individualized health care plans/IEPs and Federal, State and local mandates. Serves as a member of school teams as designated health care professional (e.g., Crisis Teams, PPT, Section 504), as appropriate. Collaborates with staff and parents to facilitate a better understanding of how a child's health needs may impact their educational plan. Participates in nursing department meetings and attends school based meetings - faculty, open house, PTA/PTO - as appropriate. Adheres to Board of Education, Pupil Personnel, and school policies and Nursing Practice Standards. Attends and participates in professional development programs and demonstrates willingness to update skills and practice. Assists students with toileting needs, if necessary. Assumes all other duties and responsibilities as necessary and required by Administrator(s) or designee.

Skill requirements:

Solid knowledge base and skill in the understanding of human growth and development of children and adolescents. Excellent personal, professional, and organizational skills to manage a diverse workload and work cooperatively and collaboratively with superiors and colleagues as part of an interdisciplinary team. Willingness to maintain professional skills and practices current. Ability to succeed in a fast paced environment while managing multiple priorities simultaneously and accurately. Strong computer and organizational skills. Ability to communicate in a fair and equitable manner with students, parents, staff, district office, and outside agencies. Outstanding written, oral, and presentation skills. High integrity and an exceptional work ethic required. Willingness to learn and utilize district nursing software programs (i.e. SNAP)

Qualification/Certification Requirements:

Registered professional nurse, designated as R.N. as determined by state law and currently licensed in Connecticut; Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) will be considered. Current certification in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Must meet qualifications of a school nurse as defined in state regulations. Successful experiences working with pediatric population, preferably in a community or school setting desirable. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Term of Employment School year per contract Pay Grade Salary schedule per contract