School Nurse

Reports to: Administrator of Student & Family Health/Nursing Services

Purpose: The purpose of the school nursing program is to enhance the education process by the removal or modification of health related barriers to learning and by the promotion of an optimal level of wellness of our students. The school nurse’s responsibilities include evaluation, improvement and protection of the health of students and school personnel in accordance with state law, district policies/regulations utilizing the current standards of School Nursing Practice.

Qualifications: 

• Registered Nurse (BSN Preferred)
• The DPI licenser section does not license school nurses. However, employed school nurses by a LEA are required to hold a school nurse national certification. Registered nurses without national certification must be employed provisionally and must complete licenser/certification requirements within three years. BSN is required for school nurse national certification.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participates in establishing, reviewing and implementing school health policies in cooperation with school health programs and implements needed changes. Assures that policies and procedures adhere to legal and regulatory statutes and ethical standards of nursing practice. Serves as liaison between the school and local service agencies. 

• Monitors school personnel performing health related tasks by periodic audits and school visits. Observes their ability to perform their assigned task and adherence to established policies and procedures. Conducts in-service programs on the specific needs of a student for the appropriate school personnel. Communicates findings with school principal and Student Services Director. 

• Coordinates the necessary services for students with health concerns, attends parent and teacher conferences, and IEP meetings. Assists IEP Team Leaders as requested concerning student health concerns and the placement of Other Health Impaired students. Adheres to the guidelines established for the Special Education students. 

• Coordinates school health services for assigned schools and prepares reports as needed. Serves as a leader in the schools for communicable disease control to limit or eliminate the treat of any communicable disease affecting students or staff. Identifies those students with health problems by case finding techniques, screening procedures, interviewing, observing, analysis of records and related research material. Interprets students health needs to staff and facilitates understanding and adjustment to changes and limitations if applicable. 

• Initiates referrals and follow-ups with parents of students with specific or suspected health problems by letters, telephone calls, and home visits. Develops emergency plans and individual health plans as needed for students with chronic health conditions. Collaborates with other school staff to prevent health problems from becoming reasons for educations or social failure.

• Refers parents of students needing medical care to appropriate private or community agencies. Seeks resources for those parents needing financial assistance with these concerns. Supports family in using treatment services. Confers with school staff to interpret recommendations. 

• Conducts education programs or health related matters for students, staff, PTA’s and the community as requested. 

Professional Practice and Development

• Adheres to the standards of professional practice in the delivery of services as well as in conversations and mannerisms. Maintains confidentiality of students and staff.

• Seeks to improve professional knowledge and skills through participation in continuing education and planned meetings with the physician consultant.

Term of Employment: 10 months