Professional School Nurse

Description

Job Summary 

As a member of the Health Services Department, the Professional School Nurse is a registered professional nurse who works to strengthen and facilitate the educational process through improving and protecting the health status of children within the school setting.  The major focus of school nursing services is the prevention of illness and disability, and the early detection and correction of health problems for day and boarding adolescent students. 

The school nurse promotes a strong student-centered approach that exemplifies a respectful, inclusive, and dynamic environment.  This involves fostering resilience, respect, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging. Adolescents under their guidance are empowered with agency, supported within a structured framework, and mentored for growth and development. 

Essential Qualities of Employment

• Team Building and Culture Shaping Mindset
• Ethical and Responsible Decision Making
• Effective and Culturally Responsive Communication
• Collaborative Framework for Innovation and Results

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

Nursing Coverage

• Provides 24-hour nursing coverage within a rotating schedule as planned by the Director.
• Provides care during daily Health Center hours and rotates on-call time on evenings and weekends.
• Must stay within a reasonable distance (not more than 20 minutes) of the school and be available by the Health Center on-call phone.

Health Assessments and Care

• Conducts comprehensive health assessments and identifies health findings that require additional medical resources.
• Collaborates with medical providers to develop school health plans for students.
• Communicates essential health information to faculty and staff who oversee or interact with the student, ensuring they are informed and prepared to support the student’s health needs
• Collaborates with the Athletic Trainer in the management of sports-related injuries, including concussions.
• Utilizes evidence-based practice to provide education and care for students
• Maintains accurate clinical records reflecting nursing care and communication 

Confidentiality and Collaboration

• Maintains appropriate confidentiality as mandated by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Serves  as the health specialist, contributing expertise as needed to interdisciplinary teams that support student well-being
• Collaborates with other medical providers and acts as a health liaison among the school, home, and community to coordinate comprehensive health support for students

Emergency and Preventive Care

• Assess students for immediate intervention in cases of acute illness, injury, and emotional disturbances to provide timely support and care 
• Promote health and prevent the spread of communicable diseases through vaccination programs, early detection, ongoing surveillance, and timely reporting of contagious diseases as required by the Maine Center for Disease Control
• Coordinate the annual influenza vaccination clinic 

Medication Administration and Record Keeping

• Safely implements the school medication policy and procedure, including oversight for medication administration by unlicensed assistive personnel.
• Organize and prepare essential health records, first aid kits, and medications required for students during off-campus trips and activities
• Ensures that all student health records are complete and updated annually with essential information.  Utilize updated records to inform and adjust ongoing health plans and interventions.
• Manages emergency equipment supply and maintenance (AEDs, epi-pens, dorm kits).

• Helps coordinate care for student health issues while off campus for trips or activities.

Professionalism

• Attendance and participation in team and community meetings, special events, and  school functions
• Maintenance of prompt and frequent communication with medical providers, advisors, and parents.
• Pursue annual professional development
• Meet general daily professional standards regarding attendance, timeliness, and deadlines
• Support the mission and philosophy of Gould by acting as a positive contributor to the school community, actively participating in the life of the school as a role model of appropriate behavior with students, parents, colleagues, and other members of the school community, and enforcing school rules
• Adherence to policies in the Employee Handbook and Community Guide

Other Duties

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee.  They will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisor(s) and/or the Head of School.

Qualifications

Qualification Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree in Nursing and current license to practice professional nursing in Maine.
• Three to five years' experience as a professional licensed nurse.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize workload.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and passport.
• Basic software literacy in Google Suite and the ability to navigate electronic medical records
• Successful completion of a criminal and sexual offender background check by obtaining CHRC clear status from the Maine Department of Education.

Physical Work Environment

These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individuals on an as-needed basis.  Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

• It is essential to be able to meet the physical demands of sitting for prolonged periods at a desk or computer workstation, using repetitive arm, hand and finger movements  
• Continuous use of fine motor skills, such as push/pul,l and to grasp objects/paper
• Must be able to occasionally lift 10-15 lbs.., maximum lifting/carrying of 35 lbs
• Ability to frequently bend, stand, stoop, walk,  and sit
• Occasionally,y this position will be driving a motor vehicle and/ or kneeling, squatting, and climbing 
• The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to work in a semi-open office setting with frequent in-person interaction and numerous interruptions  
• Ability to visit and move around on and off-campus and must be able to travel to all campus locations and to appropriate training and/or meetings as required
• This position may occasionally stay overnight in the school infirmary