Nurse

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Promote and protect the optimal health status of school age children with a model of prevention, early intervention, referral, and primary care.

Implement comprehensive program of health services for campus. Provide health services to students. Promote health education and preventive health practices for students.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

– Graduate of an accredited professional nursing education program
– Valid registered nurse license to practice professional nursing in Texas from the State Board of Nurse Examiners
– Certified by Texas Department of Health to conduct vision, hearing, and spinal screening
– CPR and First-aid certification

Special Knowledge/Skills:

– Knowledge of health appraisal to identify student health defects
– Familiar with the Texas Nursing Practice Act and the National Association of School Nurses standards of nursing practice
– Possess appropriate skills for meeting school emergencies
– Ability to implement policies and procedures
– Knowledge of national, state, and local student health requirements
– Strong organizational, communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills
– Computer skills and willingness to learn/adapt/lead other nurses in implementation of district software

Experience:

– Two years experience in school, community health, or pediatric nursing preferred

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Nursing Services

1. Provide temporary and emergency care for sick and injured students or staff according to
district policy and procedures.
2. Notify parents of accident or illness and secure medical care for students in emergency cases (if parents or emergency contact cannot be reached).
3. Administer medications to students according to district policy and procedures.
4. Assist with health assessments.
5. Perform screening procedures as required by Texas Department of Health, Texas Educational Agency, and district policy. Make referrals as necessary.
6. Develop and coordinate continuing evaluation of campus health program and make changes based on findings.
7. Provide relevant assessment, counseling, and guidance, serving as a resource to staff so that they may take responsibility for their health.
8. Assist staff with accessing and effectively utilizing community resources for health.
9. Provide leadership and/or support for staff wellness programs.

Instruction

10. Participate in development of campus health education curriculum, and provide health education to individuals and groups.
11. Act as a resource person in promoting health careers.
12. Provide learning and growth experience for professional nursing students.
13. Provide health counseling and instruction to individual students.

Consultation

14. Serve as health liaison between school, physicians, parents, and community. Interpret the health status of students to parents and school personnel.
15. Assess student problems and make appropriate referrals working with students, teachers, parents, and medical and health care professionals as needed.
16. Participate as the health team specialist on special education evaluation team as needed.
17. Participate in assessment and reporting of suspected child abuse.
18. Communicate regularly with principal and health services supervisor regarding health services issues.

Administration

19. Monitor school compliance with mandated state, federal and district regulations affecting school health.
20. Communicate regularly with Principal and Health Services Supervisor regarding health services issues.
21. Review and evaluate immunization records.
22. Enforce procedures to ensure proper program administration according to district policy.
23. Develop procedures and provide for crisis intervention for acute illness, injury, and emotional disturbances.
24. Supervise and train nurse aide(s) in clinic procedures nd responsibilities according to district policy.
25. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required, including clinic records and accurate, updated health records on all students.
26. Requisition supplies and equipment needed to maintain clinic inventory.
27. Maintain current files of community resources.
28. Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, Texas Department of Health rule, State Board of Education rule, and board policy in health services area.
29. Report potential health and safety hazards to principal.
30. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.

Professional Growth and Development

31. Maintain certification in CPR, vision and hearing screening, and as a health screener.
32. Join and actively participate in school nurse and teacher professional organizations.
33. Maintain a high level of professional competence through self-study; participate in professional organizations, workshops, and in-services.
34. Perform duties in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner.
35. Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct the work of assigned nurse aide(s) and volunteers.

EQUIPMENT USED:

– Thermometer, blood pressure cuff, audiometer, otoscope, sphygmomanometer, vision screening equipment, thermoscan, basic clinic equipment, personal computer, and copier

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands

– Maintain emotional control under stress
– Work with frequent interruptions

Physical Demands

– Walk/stand for long period of time, lift heavy objects (40 pounds occasionally)

Environmental Demands

– Normal office environment
– May work prolonged or irregular hours
– Exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases; good general health and stamina needed

The above statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to the job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. The administration has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.