School Nurse – 4 Year RN

DIVISION:  Student and Family Support

GRADE: 16

DEPARTMENT:  Nursing Services

WORK DAY:  190

REPORTS TO: Director of School Nurses

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

JOB CLASS: 4093

GROUP: Classified

POSITION SUMMARY 

The School Nurse is essential for managing the comprehensive health needs of students. This role involves implementing health care plans as directed by physicians and ensuring that all district health care practices are in compliance with laws related to student health issues. The nurse provides immediate care to students who are ill, medically fragile, or injured. Additionally, the nurse serves as a key health care resource for teachers, staff, and administrators. Responsibilities also include conducting required health screenings and identifying health issues for appropriate referral, ensuring students receive the necessary follow-up care. This position is crucial in promoting health and safety within the school setting.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing

CERTIFICATION/LICENSE:

• Valid Georgia RN license
• CPR certification
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint
• Background Clearance

WORK EXPERIENCE:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES 

Skills-based Competencies 

Required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: planning and managing projects; and using pertinent software applications.

Knowledge-based Competencies

Required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: health standards and hazards, communicable diseases, immunization requirements, and pediatric disease processes.

Ability-based Competencies

Required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of types of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; working as part of a team; and working with frequent interruptions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES             (Generally ranges from 5-10 bullet points)

• Assesses situations involving students' safety and other health related issues ( physical, sexual, or drug abuse, etc.) for the purpose of identifying problems, referring for proper treatment, and complying with legal requirements.
• Assists in the development of the department improvement plan (audits, etc.) for the purpose of developing best school nurse practices that create a healthier learning environment for students and minimizes health related barriers to student learning.
• Auditing student immunizations (Varicella, Polio, Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus, etc.) for the purpose of meeting the requirements of state audits and for the protection of all district students and personnel.
• Collaborates with various groups (parents, students, health care providers, Special Education Department, teachers, and/or public agencies, etc.) for the purpose of promoting and/or securing student health services, providing data and information.
• Collects information (statistical data from screenings, etc.) for the purpose of developing best practices for meeting the health needs of the student population and eliminating barriers to learning.
• Conducts age appropriate programs and/or activities in conjunction with classroom curriculum (health education, nutritional workshops, etc.) for the purpose of supporting established lesson plans or department improvement initiatives.
• Conducts first responder medical drills in each school (cardiac arrest emergency, etc.) for the purpose of insuring school staff are prepared to respond to a medical emergency.
• Develops individual student care plans with input from parents and physicians (special needs children, chronically ill children, etc.) for the purpose of identifying medical interventions needed at school and educating school staff in how to work with such students in the classroom.
• Maintains student's confidential files and records (health care plans, agency referrals, accident reports, etc.) for the purpose of providing information required by legal requirements and professional standards.
• Maintains contact with parents/guardians (injuries, development of symptoms, etc.) for the purpose of advising them of changes in student health and/or recommending further medical and/or emotional intervention.
• Monitors students with chronic illnesses (diabetes, COPD, etc.) for the purpose of assisting the child in achieving the highest possible functional level.
• Monitors students referred for illness and/or injury for the purpose of attending to their immediate health care concerns and initiating follow-up care.
• Monitors attendance of students with chronic health problems (respiratory illness, depression, dental pain, etc.) for the purpose of identifying excessive absenteeism and developing a plan for improvement.
• Oversees medication administration by unlicensed personnel in schools for the purpose of insuring safe and accurate administration of medication as ordered by physicians.
• Participates in a variety of meetings, workshops, seminars, and interdisciplinary teams for the purpose of gathering, conveying, and/or sharing information on students' health needs, service delivery, and educational programs.
• Participates as a member of crisis intervention teams as needed (death, tragedy, etc.) for the purpose of counseling students and/or staff in an event of serious consequences.
• Performs mandated screenings (vision, dental, hearing, height/weight/BMI, and/or back/scoliosis screenings, etc.) for the purpose of referring medical conditions and/or providing appropriate care for ill, medically fragile and/or injured children.
• Performs first aid, medication and specialized medical treatments (oral suctioning, catheterization, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care for ill, medically fragile and/or injured children.
• Prepares a wide variety of written materials (quantity reports, student services, statistical information, correspondence, internal audits, core plans, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Provides training on a variety of health related subjects to students, teachers, and parents (diabetes, asthma, CPR, etc.) for the purpose of promoting a healthy lifestyle and/or acting as a resource to students, teachers, and other school personnel.
• Refers students requiring additional medical attention for the purpose of providing required follow-up treatment and services.
• Reports health and safety issues to Director of School Nurses and appropriate agencies (fights, suspected child or substance abuse, contagious diseases, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining students' personal safety, a positive learning environment, and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.
• Researches a variety of topics relating to health and medical care (wellness, nutrition, treatment protocols, childhood diseases, etc.) for the purpose of providing information to staff, students, parents, and the public.
• Responds to emergency medical situations (severe falls, prescription reactions, bleeding, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring appropriate immediate medical attention and related follow-up action.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit