SUBSTITUTE NURSE

Position: Substitute School NurseReports To: PPS Director, Principal/sWork Year Days: Per diemWork Hours: School day Educational/Training/Experience/License Required: Massachusetts RN, DESE School Nurse licensure preferredQUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid certificate as a School Nurse from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Valid License to practice as a registered nurse from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• Experience in Child/Pediatric health, community health, or relevant clinical nursing experience. Experience as a school nurse preferred.
• Current healthcare provider certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid, and AED from a recognized provider.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to stand on ones feet for long periods of time and move quickly to respond to a crisis.

JOB GOALS:The school nurse is responsible for developing, implementing and managing a school health program consistent with Massachusetts guidelines, regulations and statutes governing nursing practice and school health, as well as local district policies and procedures. The goal of the school nurse is to promote the academic progress/success of students by assisting them to maintain, improve, or adapt to their health statusRESPONSIBILITIES:Program ManagementEstablishes and manages a comprehensive school health program.

• Promotes positive safety practices both within and outside of school and ensures that the school has an emergency plan which is communicated to staff and students.
• Organizes and implements state-mandated programs such as Immunization surveillance and health related screening programs, including referral, parent notice, and follow-up.
• Maintains comprehensive and updated school health records on each student; utilizes computer heath program to document daily student interactions and other health related information. Provides timely reports to administration as requested.
• Develop, implement, and periodically review and revise written procedures for first aid, emergency management, medication administration, management of health records, mandated screenings, and other health/medical services.
• Provide training for health screening volunteers, assistants, and substitute nurses.
• Maintain written procedures for substitute nurses.
• Budgets, orders and maintains inventory of school nursing supplies and equipment.

Nursing ServicesDemonstrates appropriate nursing assessment skills and collaboration in meeting the heath needs of students and staff.

• Provides direct nursing care to meet the needs of the students and staff, including administering first aid care for injuries, emergency medical care, toileting and personal care when needed, and management of acute and chronic Illnesses.
• Collaborates with parents, student and their physician where appropriate, to develop, implement, and annually update an individualized health care plan for the student.
• Collects and records medically relevant information about the health and development of the student and his or her family.
• Provides medically prescribed interventions and over the counter medications per school physicians standing orders.
• Makes home visits, completes home assessments, and presents assessment results at team meetings for Special education students as requested, with parent and administrative permission.
• Recommend that students consult outside health care providers and/or appropriate school staff for evaluation and follow up, if indicated. Assist students and families in finding medical care when requested.
• Responds to student issues, including issues such as abuse/neglect, Substance use/abuse, family crisis, and other health related concerns.

CollaborationCollaborates with other professionals, team members, and community providers in assessing, planning, and evaluating programs and other school health activities to ensure coordinated services and prevent duplication.

• Serves as a member of the schools Crisis Intervention Team.
• Works collaboratively with building staff, administration and the other nurses in the school system.
• Participates in the planning and implementation of new health services.

Health EducationAssists students, families, and groups to achieve optimal levels of wellness through health education and promotion.

• Identifies the need for health education due to identified issues students are facing.
• Provide or assist with health education topics, such as nutrition, health and safety, and sex education.
• Assumes responsibilities for in-service programs for school personnel for universal precautions, first aid, emergency care procedures, and current health issues.
• Act as an educational resource to staff on health/medical issues.

Professional PracticeApplies appropriate nursing theory as the basis for decision making in the school setting while expanding knowledge and skills in response to student health needs.

• Demonstrates current knowledge of best practices in nursing.
• Assumes responsibility for continuing own education and maintaining certifications.
• Obtains consultation from the school physician or other experts as needed.
• Maintains confidentiality of students, families and staff.

Required Qualifications: Massachusetts RN licensureDESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience working with students in a school settingTERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:$210/day