Primary Purpose:

To be able to function in the absence of the school nurse assigned to the campus. To provide a campus health service program that meets state and local requirements that is delivered in a manner that is sensitive to student/staff diversity and promotes and preserves student and family autonomy, dignity and rights. To coordinate with other student services to focus on the health-related needs of students and their families.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Registered Nurse - licensed in the State of Texas

Associate Degree in Nursing, or higher, from an accredited college or university Certification in CPR, Seizure First Aide/Stop the Bleed, vision, hearing, spinal and acanthosis nigricans

Special Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of the Nurse Practice Act Thorough knowledge of the nursing process Excellent problem-solving skills

Knowledge of school law relating to health services and special education Familiarity with computers

Experience:

Two (2) years’ experience in Community Health and/or Pediatric nursing.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Implementation of the School Health Program
• Acquire and maintain current knowledge and competency in school nurse practice.
• Continually evaluate own nursing practice in relation to professional practice standards, Texas Board of Nurse Examiners regulations and relevant statutes, regulations and policies.
• Use effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
• Plan health appraisal schedule with school administrators.
• Administer annual required screening procedures to pupils.
• Interpret health information and policies to the teachers, parents, students, doctors, and community.
• Make home visits when necessary.
• Represent health appraisal services in the ARD process.
• Act as liaison between school, physician, parents, community, churches, and local and national organizations in obtaining maximum health results for the child.
• Participate in meetings of appropriate professional organizations.
• Maintain a file of community, state and other resources applicable to the school health program.
• Share knowledge and skills with peers and interdisciplinary colleagues.
• Maintain an emergency card file.
• Notify the parents or proper persons of illness or accident of student.
• Make arrangements for professional medical care in the events of serious injury or illness when parent or guardian is not available.
• Keep an up-to-date cumulative health record for each student.
• Keep a daily record of each student seen.
• Provide health counseling or teaching to students and/or staff on individual basis.
• Conduct in-services as requested on preventive health measures.
• Interpret the requirements of the State of Texas Immunization Law and maintain compliance with these requirements including notification to parents on updating immunizations.
• Report any case of suspected neglect or abuse to the Department of Human Services, the Police Department, the building administrator, and the Health Services Coordinator.
• Report any case of communicable disease as outlined in Senate Bill 1064 “Communicable Disease and Prevention Control Act” to the local health authority and the Health Services Coordinator.
• Cooperate with the building administrator to verify compliance with requirements for protective eye and ear devices in vocational classes.
• Observe the environment at school and in the community to identify problems which offer health hazards detrimental to children and make reports to principals and to appropriate community agencies.
• File reports as required by the Texas Education Agency and state or local health departments.
• Maintain student/staff confidentiality within legal and regulatory and ethical parameters of health and education.
• Deliver care in a manner that is sensitive to student/staff diversity and promotes and preserves student, staff and family autonomy and dignity.
• Use available technology as appropriate to the school setting.
• Collaborate with district and campus personnel to identify students at risk.
• Implement established district policy.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Personnel Management

Coordinate roles and responsibilities of the school health personnel within the school team.

Management of Fiscal Functions

Assist in plans for annual health budget for health supplies considering factors relating to safety, effectiveness and cost.

Professional Growth and Development

Attend in-service education programs and continue formal nursing education.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Equipment Used:

Diagnostic medical screening equipment, personal computer

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

Maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruptions; potential for exposure to bacteria, blood borne pathogens, communicable diseases