Job Title

School Nurse 

Salary Scale

RN03

Location

Sneed Middle

PSC Code 

360000

Reports To

Principal 

Shift Type

Full Time/Exempt

General Statement of Job 

Under limited supervision, administers medical assistance and first aid to students and emergency assistance to faculty according to school health program procedures prescribed by the District. Maintains student health records; performs limited health counseling services; refers students and their parents to community agencies and professionals as appropriate. 

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages the health room; sees ill and injured students on a walk-in basis and handles medical emergencies. Notifies parents or physicians, as necessary, in cases requiring medical attention; summons an ambulance if necessary.
• Schedules and helps to conduct physical assessments, which includes appropriate vital signs, hearing, vision, blood pressure and dental screening tests, documenting the results. Determines if further medical consultation or treatment is necessary or advisable, and follows through as needed. 
• Counsels and educates students about their health problems or conditions, disease prevention, hygiene and health maintenance; educates faculty and staff about health conditions and special medical procedures as necessary. 
• Administers prescription and non-prescription medications as directed by licensed healthcare provider and parent; supervises assisting with administration of medication by other designated District employees. 
• Looks for conditions which might indicate the presence of communicable diseases; alerts faculty, parents, physicians and public health authorities when necessary. 
• Reports suspected child abuse/sexual abuse/neglect to the Department of Social Services when necessary.

• Coordinates health services and promotions with community health agencies, including vaccinations. 
• Maintains accurate, complete and confidential individual health records of students using the computerized School Health Management Program (SNAP), by promptly documenting nursing services provided and manually documenting when the electronic system is unavailable. In addition, use PowerSchool software.
• Develop Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs) using nursing language to direct nursing care for students with handicapping or chronic health conditions, as well as, Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) written in lay language to guide the response of unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) in a health-related emergency for all eligible students with chronic illnesses.
• Make decisions related to the appropriate delegation of healthcare tasks as directed by South Carolina laws and professional practice guidance (American Nurses Association (ANA), National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) 2006.
• Participate in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, Response to Intervention (RTI) meetings and 504 meetings when appropriate.
• Generate monthly Medicaid Billing and review Medicaid documents when appropriate.
• Orders and maintains inventory of health room supplies and equipment.
• May serve as site coordinator for staff wellness programs; obtains literature and shows films pertaining to health. 
• Makes hospital and home visits as appropriate; attends placement meetings for students assessed. 
• Collaborates with corporate, community and hospital systems to coordinate health care for students. 
• Makes medical and dental appointments for students and arranges transportation as necessary.
• Conducts informational / support meetings for students and parents. 
• Keeps abreast of developments and innovations in the nursing/medical profession. 
• Uses a computer to retrieve and record student information and to prepare reports and correspondence. 
• Receives, reviews, prepares and/or submits various records and reports including health screening data, health records, laboratory reports, immunization records, physicians' statements, accident/ injury reports, student health records, referrals, supply requests, monthly and annual reports, permission forms, training reports, memos, correspondence, etc. 
• Operates a variety of equipment such as a computer, typewriter, telephone, calculator, vehicle, audiometer, blood pressure cuff, scoliometer, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, scales, stethoscope, thermometer, vision occluder, etc. 
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, principal and other administrators, co-workers, teachers, other school / District personnel, students, parents, community health and service agencies, Department of Social Services personnel, guidance counselors, psychologists, social workers, medical and dental professionals, emergency medical personnel, etc. 
• Provides emergent medical care to faculty and staff.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Provides annual OSHA training to staff members as assigned to school. 
• Stocks health room supplies.
• Performs related duties as required.

Essential Functions 

Physical Requirements: 

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including a computer, telephone, vehicle, health assessment equipment, etc. Must be able to exert up to ten pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; work involves walking or standing for periods of time. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of up to thirty-five pounds and to apply physical restraint when necessary.

Data Conception:

Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things. 

Interpersonal Communications:

 Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving instructions to students and other District personnel and receiving assignments and/or direction from the supervisor. 

Language Ability: 

Requires ability to read a variety of laws, policies and procedures, medical reference books, health records and publications, etc. Requires the ability to prepare routine records and reports, correspondence, recommendations, etc. with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence 

and articulate information to others.

Intelligence: 

Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form. Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information and the ability to comprehend and implement basic office machinery and medical equipment functions.

Verbal Aptitude: 

Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow and give verbal and written instructions; to counsel and teach students. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with persons of varying educational backgrounds and in a variety of technical and/or professional languages including medical, counseling, etc. 

Numerical Aptitude: 

Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to utilize mathematical formulas, to determine percentages and decimals and to determine time and weight. Must be able to use practical applications of fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion, and to use descriptive statistics. 

Form/Spatial Aptitude: 

Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape; identify degrees of similarity and difference; and visually read various information. 

Motor Coordination: 

Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes accurately in using office and medical machinery; to operate motor vehicles. 

Manual Dexterity: 

Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, medical equipment, etc. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Interpersonal Temperament: 

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations, unusual or dangerous situations, or tight deadlines. Workers may be subject to danger or risk to a moderate degree or to tension as a regular, consistent part of the job.

Physical Communications: 

Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

Training and Education 

Requires an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in nursing supplemented by three (3) or more years of recent nursing experience, preferably in an educational setting, pediatric nursing, public health nursing, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must be a Registered Nurse, licensed by the South Carolina State Board of Nursing; must possess CPR/AED certification.

Performance Evaluation Criteria 

Job Knowledge:

Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of Student Support Services as they pertain to the performance of duties of the School Nurse. Has thorough knowledge of the materials, equipment, procedures and standards employed in professional nursing. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has thorough knowledge of established procedural guides as approved by the County Health Department. Has working knowledge in the areas of special education, special needs assessment, pediatric rehabilitation, physical/occupational/speech therapy, etc. Has some knowledge of counseling techniques. Is able to operate the devices used for screening tests. Has thorough knowledge of available social resources for the care and treatment of the ailing and ill. Has thorough knowledge of public health laws and regulations relating to bloodborne pathogens, sanitation and the control of communicable diseases. Has thorough knowledge of municipal and rural health problems and effective control measures. Knows how to apply managerial concepts and principles. Has the ability to offer guidance and assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required. Is able to communicate effectively and patiently with students. Has the ability to use independent judgment as needed in performing routine and non-routine tasks. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Is able to read and interpret medical reference books, lab reports and heath screening results, and related materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Knows how to prepare reports, correspondence, health records, etc. Has comprehensive knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department. Has knowledge of proper English usage, vocabulary, punctuation and spelling; has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Knows how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Is able to make sound, educated decisions. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. Knows how to make public presentations. Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Has good organizational, technical and human relations skills. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Has skill in the use of computers.

Quality of Work: 

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with all District departments and divisions, co-workers and the public. 

Quantity of Work: 

Performs described "Essential Functions and Responsibilities" and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce a quantity of work which consistently meets standards and expectations of the District. 

Dependability: 

Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, District policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Maintains accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas. 

Attendance: 

Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to District policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests. 

Initiative and Enthusiasm: 

Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be accomplished and initiates proper and acceptable action for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction. 

Judgment: 

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives.Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment. Monitors the activities/behavior of the student body to ensure student safety and well-being.

Cooperation:

Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of the same. Questions such as instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with District policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the District.

Relationships with Others: 

Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and staff for mutual and District benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all District employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the public so as to maintain good will toward the District and to project a good District image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the District. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image. Interacts effectively with higher management, professionals and the public. 

Coordination of Work: 

Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

Safety and Housekeeping: 

Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the District and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace. 

DISCLAIMER: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Terms of Employment 

190 day work agreement. Salary and work year to be established by the district.