School Nurse (Substitute) 

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under general supervision the school nurse is responsible for administering medical assistance and first aid to students and staff according to school health program procedures prescribed by the school. Reports directly to the Principal.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Collects and reviews health cards on all students, noting significant information, including allergies, medications, illnesses and health conditions; notifies teachers of all significant health problems of students they work with
• Maintains accurate, complete and confidential health records of students using the computerized School Health Management Program (SNAP) and PowerSchool software
• Obtains and maintains student immunization records
• Prepares S.C. certificates of immunization when appropriate documentation is provided
• Makes referrals to physicals and/or DHEC as necessary
• Prepares DHEC immunization reports as required
• Manages school health room; attends to 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 ambulance if necessary
• Participates in the school’s screening program for vision, hearing, scoliosis and blood pressure; enters screening results in the SNAP program; determines if further medical consultation or treatment is necessary or advisable; makes referrals and follows up with individual cases as needed
• Monitors students for health problems, including lice infestation, elevated blood sugar levels, etc., and unmet health needs
• Counsels and educates students about their health problems or conditions, disease prevention, hygiene and health maintenance
• Provides health instruction, counseling and guidance to parents and staff on subjects such as CPR, first aid, emergency care procedures and special health problems
• Dispenses prescription and non-prescription medications as directed by physician and parent
• Looks for conditions which might indicate the presence of communicable diseases; alerts faculty, parents, physicians and public health authorities when necessary
• Assists in identifying and reporting suspected child abuse/sexual abuse/neglect
• Develops individual health plans for students with disabilities or chronic health conditions; assists in identifying students with special medical needs
• Identifies and monitors students with extended illnesses/absences and corresponds with attendance clerk and parent concerning illness/absence
• Coordinates health and social services for students between school, family physician, hospitals and community agencies
• Researches illnesses and diseases, and consults with other nurses and health care professionals to determine appropriate care at school
• Ensures compliance with OSHA regulations concerning blood borne pathogens protocol
• Participates in implementing a system for managing school emergencies and the conduct of actions to prevent both unintentional and intentional injury and/or disease occurrences

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• May serve as site coordinator for staff wellness programs
• Provides emergency care and first aid to staff as needed
• Provides medical referrals as appropriate
• Reads employee TB test results and forwards the results to appropriate persons/agency
• Maintains confidential staff health records for emergency use
• Orders and maintains inventory of health room supplies and equipment
• Prepares and distributes first aid kits for field trips and emergency situations
• Prepares and distributes mini-first aid kits for all staff members
• Prepares and maintains equipment and supplies for emergencies
• Compiles data and prepares health reports and records required by the school and other agencies
• Reviews school and state policies and procedures for student nursing, and recommends changes as appropriate to ensure the provision of quality health care
• Reviews Medicaid forms for eligibility; generates monthly Medicaid billing reports
• Interacts and communicates with the immediate supervisor, other school staff and administrators, professional peers, co-workers, students, parents, physicians, pharmacists, therapists, hospital personnel, other health care providers, social service agency personnel, various government agency personnel, sales representatives, and the general public
• Operates a variety of medical instruments and equipment such as a wheelchair, stethoscope, otoscope, thermometer, nebulizer, audiometer, glucometer, scoliometer, titmus machine, sphygmomanometer, etc.
• Uses clerical, copier and computer supplies, CPR and first aid supplies, medications, eye charts, gloves, protective equipment, thermometer, etc.
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns and complaints from staff, parents, medical personnel and students regarding nursing services
• Assists with school registration events and procedures
• May teach growth and development classes for assigned grade(s) and/or provide related information to parents

GENERAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assists the administrative team in providing an atmosphere conducive to learning and teaching.
• Is punctual and maintains regular attendance
• Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
• Maintains a clean and orderly work environment
• Assists in upholding and enforcing school rules, administrative regulations, and board policies.
• Recognizes and follows the appropriate procedures in the "chain of command" as designated by board policies and/or administrative procedures
• Presents a positive image of GCA at all times
• Operates a variety of equipment such as a computer, printer, two-way radio, telephone, calculator, etc.
• Willingly performs other related duties as assigned by the Principal

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Days of Employment per School Year

• 190 days of employment per school year

Education and Experience

• Requires a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in nursing supplemented by one to two years of nursing experience, preferably in an educational setting, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Must be licensed to practice nursing in the state of South Carolina; must possess CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the methods, policies, procedures and activities of GCA which pertain to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position
• Knowledge of the standards, regulations, and laws relating to educational counseling activities and procedures
• Knowledge of the records, forms and reports which must be prepared and maintained
• Knowledge in the methods for developing school counseling plans for students and families
• Knowledge of outside counseling and support services available to aid GCA students and families provide counseling / assistance to students through explanation, demonstration and/or supervised practice
• Ability to operate general office equipment in the performance of daily activities
• Ability to prepare lesson plans and instructional materials for classroom activities
• Ability to identify student adjustment and/or academic problems, provide counseling and/or recommend appropriate remedial actions to parents
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and their parents, school staff, and all other groups involved in the activities of the job
• Ability to connect GCA students and families with outside counseling and support services as needed

Working Conditions

• Conducts duties in a school environment with some exposure to environmental conditions
• Requires ability to work under a degree of stress related to duties that require constant attention and working with students
• Physical demands include walking or standing and lifting/moving of items related to the job on a recurring basis
• Occasional local travel is required between campuses; overnight travel is typically not required
• Job requires the operation of standard office equipment
• The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

This job description is not intended as an employment agreement or contract. Job duties may be altered at the discretion of the Principal at any time without notice.

Goucher Charter Academy believes it has the obligation to provide the best administrative and supervisory personnel available for the school regardless of race, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or any related medical conditions), color, disability, age (40 or older), genetic information, national origin, or any other applicable status protected by local, state, or federal law.