What are the responsibilities and job description for the 1 FTE School Nurse position at Shenandoah Community?
1 FTE School Nurse
The School Nurse provides comprehensive health services to elementary and middle school students to support their physical, emotional, and academic success. This role promotes a safe and healthy school environment by delivering care, managing student health needs, ensuring compliance with Iowa regulations, and collaborating with staff and families.
Key Responsibilities
Student Health Care Services
- Provide first aid and assess student illness and injuries
- Administer medications following physician orders and district policy
- Monitor and manage chronic health conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, allergies, seizures)
- Develop and implement Individualized Health Plans (IHPs) and Emergency Action Plans
- Support students with special healthcare needs and 504/IEP plans
- Assist students with feeding, toileting, and other personal care needs
Health Screenings & Prevention
- Coordinate and conduct screenings (vision, hearing, growth, etc.)
- Track immunization compliance and maintain required records
- Monitor and manage communicable diseases and outbreaks
- Promote hygiene, wellness, and disease prevention practices
Emergency Preparedness & Response
- Respond to medical emergencies and provide life-saving care
- Maintain emergency health plans and protocols
- Ensure readiness of emergency equipment (AEDs, EpiPens, first aid kits)
- Train staff in emergency response and delegated care duties
Health Education & Promotion
- Provide health education to students and staff (nutrition, hygiene, mental health)
- Support age-appropriate wellness programs for elementary and middle school students
- Promote a positive school health culture
Collaboration & Communication
- Serve as liaison between school, families, and healthcare providers
- Communicate student health concerns to parents/guardians
- Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and administrators
- Connect families to community health resources when needed
Compliance & Documentation (Iowa-Specific)
- Maintain accurate, confidential student health records
- Ensure compliance with:
- Iowa immunization laws
- Medication administration policies
- Mandatory reporting requirements
- Document all health services according to Iowa School Nurse Toolkit guidelines
Administrative Duties
- Monitor student attendance related to health concerns
- Maintain health office supplies and inventory
- Assist with district health policies and procedures
- Provide training for unlicensed staff (delegated care tasks)
Required Qualifications (Iowa)
- Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in Iowa
- CPR/AED and First Aid certification
- Maintain licensure through the Iowa Board of Nursing
Preferred Qualifications
- Statement of Professional Recognition (SPR) as a School Nurse (optional but encouraged)
- Knowledge of Iowa Department of Education health requirements
Key Skills
- Clinical judgment and assessment
- Pediatric and adolescent care knowledge
- Communication and collaboration
- Organization and record-keeping
- Crisis management and decision-making
Work Environment
- Elementary and/or middle school setting (occasional support at the High School)
- Interaction with younger children and adolescents
- Daily exposure to illness, injuries, and high-energy environments
- Standard school calendar (with occasional events or extended hours)