PHMC is proud to be a leader in public health. PHMC requires that all employees are fully vaccinated with the Covid-19 vaccine before the first day of employment. 

The School Nurse provides comprehensive health assessments and crisis management services, and provides direct services to ensure that the school’s health program, as defined by the Pennsylvania School Code, Pennsylvania Department of Health Division of School Health Regulations, and PHMC is carried out according to the specifics in the Law and within the parameters established for Mill Creek School. This position manages the school health program and maintains comprehensive health records for each student to improve the health status of students, enabling them to profit fully from their educational experiences, and to promote optimum health status for all students. The School Nurse collaborates with school personnel and external service providers to meet individual student needs. The School Nurse reports to the Director of Specialized Services.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, organize and monitor the school health program at Mill Creek; prepare comprehensive health histories, schedule admission and periodic medical examinations for students, conduct annual and periodic health screening tests.
• Interpret the assessed health status to students, their parents and school personnel; counsel in planning action for dealing with health problems that interfere with effective learning, refers students and parents to community sources of health care, counseling and financial assistant; conducts follow-up procedures. Maintain comprehensive health records for each student including findings of screenings and examination; management of health problems.
• Provide medical information to the IEP team.
• Maintain the school health room; provide care in case of illness or injury; provide treatment in accordance with standing medical orders; advocates a safe school environment, is alert to possible health and safety hazards.
• Administer and chart student’s medications prescribed by their physicians.
• Provides specialized nursing care for students with chronic conditions; may perform procedures such as catheterization, tube feeding and tracheotomy care; oversees activities of ancillary personnel.
• Provide health counseling for students, parents and school staff aimed at encouraging students to take responsibility for their health care, in individual and/or group lessons as appropriate.
• Assist teachers in providing instruction in various health-related topics to students.
• Arrange medical treatment in the event of an emergency.
• Document student/staff injuries requiring more than first aid.
• Conduct staff in-service training on various medically-related topics.
• Record health program data for evaluation, research and continuity of school nursing.
• Serve as a member of health-related Mill Creek and PHMC committees as directed.
• Maintain a viable health communications network; functions as a member of an interdisciplinary school team including principals, counselors and teachers.
• Provide assistance as needed in the classrooms.
• Assist with problem solving client attendance or enrollment issues.
• Participates in regular meetings with staff to ensure priorities are clear, coordination is good and communications are open. Develops additional methods for ongoing effective communication
• Models traits of a responsible team member, executing job responsibilities, open communication, good follow through; supports team members to do the same.
• Demonstrates use and support of trauma informed care in all aspects of employment, including interactions with clients/students, family members, other employees, community members, and stakeholders.
• Responds promptly to the concerns and interests of the clients, parents, guardians, funding entities and other program staff. 
• Demonstrates commitment to being trauma informed and maintaining a therapeutic community that promotes safety and nonviolence as the basis for all we do with clients/students and staff.
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of how trauma impacts childhood development and behaviors.

 Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• Routine school environment. Employee may be involved in de-escalating student behaviors using Mill Creek approved techniques. Potential exposure to blood borne pathogens; may transport students in agency or personal vehicle in accordance with PA Dept. of Transportation requirements and agency procedures.
• Ability to independently utilize routine office equipment.
• Ability to independently travel outside of agency.
• The physical demands and work environment described is representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Skills:

• Knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of public health and pediatric nursing and the relationship of school health programs to other health and welfare programs.
• Knowledge of community organizations and facilities related to school health nursing.
• Knowledge of school health standards and methods of appraising school health and related programs.
• Ability to administer First Aid, CPR and AED.
• Ability to gain confidence and cooperation from students.
• Ability to interpret public health and education regulations.
• Ability to provide care to injured or ill students.
• Ability to instruct and supervise others in care of students.
• Ability to communicate accurately and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Demonstrates personal integrity, initiative, problem solving, creativity, analytical skills and follow-through.
• Ability to multi-task and be in control of numerous tasks at any one time.
• Ability to handle a variety of duties which may be interrupted or changed by immediate circumstances.
• Strong computer skills in all Microsoft office applications and other health record applications.

Performance Requirements:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive school program for students, following the guidelines of the Pennsylvania School Code, Pennsylvania DOH Regulations, the Division of School Health guidelines, PA DOE Regulations, and PHMC policies.
• Uses data to plan and evaluate the school health program.
• Provides up-to-date information for school personnel on subjects regarding growth and development patterns of children, first aid practice, accident prevention, communicable disease regulations.
• Provides direct services to students in accordance with current medical practice and nursing standards, relevant statues, and regulations for mandated screenings, acute and chronic disease, first aid for illness or injury, reviews and monitors student immunization status and other comprehensive health records.
• Administers medications and performs procedures according to physician orders and school policies and procedures.
• Collaborates with school personnel and agencies to insure continuity of service and care of students, including the coordination of medical and dental examinations with the school program.
• Actively participates in individual education program (IEP), medical or developmental programs; Chapter 14 and 15 review and evaluation teams, and to provide information to these teams as required.
• Plans for the environmental needs of the school and advises school officials of environmental adjustment necessary to meet the needs of physically challenged individuals.
• Plans for first aid services and instructs personnel responsible for giving first aid.
• Serves as a resource person to facilitate learning of positive health and wellness behaviors for students and staff.
• Arranges or teaches in-service programs for school personnel in first aid, emergency care procedures and current health issues.
• Assists in budget preparation by advising school administration for the health program and facilities.
• Prepares and presents all school health reports.
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

Experience:

• Five years of full-time, professional nursing experience, preferably in a school setting. Experience in settings with children and young adults with emotional and mental health conditions strongly preferred. Knowledge of current Child Abuse Laws, CPR/AED certification required.

Education Required:

• Degree from an accredited college or university and completion of an accredited nursing program. Valid licensed registered professional nurse issued by the State Board of Nursing, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Certification as an Educational Specialist by the Pennsylvania Department of Education desired, or willingness to earn the certification.

Salary:

• Commensurate with education and experience.