Substitute School Nurse/RN

JOB DESCRIPTION:  SUBSTITUTE SCHOOL NURSE/RN

Under Section 20-87a of the Connecticut General Statutes, the definition of nursing is: “The practice of nursing by a registered nurse is defined as the process of diagnosing human responses to actual or potential health problems, providing supportive and restorative care, health counseling and teaching, case finding and referral, collaborating in the implementation of the total health care regimen under the direction of a licensed physician or dentist.”

In the absence of the assigned school nurse, the substitute registered nurse will maintain continuity of service in the assigned school building.  She implements state laws, Board of Education policies, and administrative procedures relative to health services in the school.  The substitute registered nurse is accountable to the school health supervisor for clinical practice.  The substitute nurse will seek guidance from the lead school nurse or in her absence, the Director of Pupil Services when needed.

Qualifications:

• Current Connecticut RN Licensure
• Minimum of three (3) years work experience in the past five (5) years preferred
• Preferably he/she should have background in pediatric nursing, school nursing, or public health nursing
• Twelve academic credits or the equivalent in CEU’s or workshop hours beyond the basic preparation in nursing
• Ten hours of continuing education in school health every two (2) years
• Current Certification in CPR

The school nurse should have:

• Have completed or be in process of obtaining a baccalaureate degree preferably in nursing or, in lieu of that, in health or a related field; OR
• Certification as a school nurse by a national certifying body (when eligible)

*Minimum requirements mandated by Connecticut State Regulations 10-212-1 to 

10-212-7

Role and Responsibilities:

1. Applies appropriate theory as a basis for decision making in nursing practice.
2. Represents NPS in a professional manner at all times, using courtesy and tact when dealing with students, family, staff and visitors.
3. Provides continuity of care and maintains a comprehensive school health program at the local building level.

• Maintaining effective communication between school and family with regard to health and safety.
• Follows mandated cumulative health record guidelines by documenting accurate information about the student’s health office visit on a nurses’ note or in SNAP, including interventions, response and effectiveness of treatment.
• Follows established IHCP and IEMP directions as set forth by the assigned school nurse.
• Administers medications in compliance with NPS policy to students with medication orders.
• Performs specialized treatments for complex health care needs of students as ordered.
• Provides first aid, emergency intervention to students, staff and visitors as needed.
• Serves as a resource for health and safety within the school for urgent matters.
• Completes a report for the regular school nurse about issues that need follow up.
• Maintains the School Health Services Statistics for the day and leaves data for the regular school nurse.
• Notifies the building principal in a timely manner of all non-routine injuries during substitute shift.

Physical Abilities and Working Conditions:

The Physical Abilities and Other Conditions of Employment listed in this section are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of Physical Abilities and Other Conditions of Employment that may be required of positions in this class. Norwich Public School District encourages persons with disabilities who are interested in employment in this class and need reasonable accommodation of those disabilities to contact the Personnel Department for further information.

• Performing the job duties of this position requires the following physical demands: reaching, some lifting, standing, walking, carrying, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, sitting, and/or crawling.
• Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment
• Must be able to assist in the lifting/carrying of students in excess of 50 pounds
• Occasional exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather