1:1 School Nurse

JOB TITLE: SCHOOL NURSE

REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

JOB SUMMARY: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily as a school nurse or 1:1 school nurse (assigned to an individual student). Performs health screening; provides healthcare services to students and staff if needed; coordinates referrals with healthcare providers; assesses students requiring the direct services of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse; prepares health care plans for involved students and supervises the implementation of required health care procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Licensed as a Certified School Nurse with the Illinois State Board of Education; licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Practical Nurse (LPN).
• Previous experience working with children and young adults is preferred.
• Demonstrates computer literacy.
• Demonstrates competency in the use of current medical technology.
• Demonstrates oral and written communication skills.
• Health examination for new employees part-time or full-time:

1. Chapter 122 Article 24-5 of the Illinois School Code mandates that School boards shall require new employees evidence of physical fitness to perform duties assigned and freedom from communicable disease, including tuberculosis.  Such evidence shall consist of a physical examination, a tuberculin test and, if appropriate, an x-ray.  The cost of such examination shall rest with the employee.
2. Must pass a comprehensive drug screening.
3. Must pass a comprehensive criminal background check.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collects and analyzes epidemiological and other school health information.
• Observes and diagnoses students as requested/needed to detect health needs.
• Administers medication and medical treatment prescribed by a licensed physician.
• Maintains up-to-date cumulative health records on all students requiring nursing intervention.
• Reports and consultations with parents, school personnel, physicians, clinics, and other agencies on student health matters.
• Assumes authority to administer first aid in accordance with established first-aid procedures in the absence of a physician, for the care of a student who has suffered an injury or emergency illness.
• Implements board policy and Illinois Health Codes on exclusion and re-admission of students in connection with infectious and contagious diseases.
• Conducts training for students related to disabilities, health, and hygiene.
• Gather necessary information to write individual health plans.
• Oversees the work activities of health associates.
• Maintains school, state, and federal records as required by the appropriate code.
• Meets core expectations for all certified staff contained in the District\'s professional growth system.
• Ability to make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Provides nursing services on a building-based, itinerant, and/or one-to-one basis for students with significant medical issues. 
• Administers a coordinated school health program.
• Assesses the health and safety needs of the school environment; implement bloodborne pathogens control and reinforce universal precautions. 
• Maintains school health records and promotes compliance with health-related regulations such as immunizations and school physicals as outlined in the Illinois School Code and by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
• Participates in the development of health-related policies and procedures in compliance with state mandates/current health practices.
• Provides direct nursing services, first aid, illness, and emergency care to students, including nursing assessment, identifying health problems, making referrals for diagnosis and treatment, recommending educational modifications, providing follow-up and evaluation, and maintaining appropriate documentation.
• Administers medication, routine tests, and/or treatments in accordance with policy and procedures.
• Maintains accurate medical records and documentation, including immunizations, physical examinations, and medical conditions. 
• Develops individual health care plans for students requiring special nursing procedures during the school day. 
• Completes a Health History for students having a case-study evaluation and a Health History Update for those students having a three-year evaluation consultation with the school nurse.
• Provides health information and counseling for students, parents, and staff. 
• Recommends modification of school programs for students who may require changes due to their medical status. 
• Provides educational recommendations to the IEP educational team based on the student\'s health needs.
• Makes appropriate assessments and referrals for suspected abuse/neglect as a mandated reporter.
• Accompanies students on mobility trips as indicated by their medical status or IEP.
• Provides nursing assistance to others in the department: 1:1 nurses, SEWHSD program nurses, and agency nurses.
• A registered nurse or certified school nurse may be assigned as a 1:1 nurse if the IEP team determines that a student is so medically fragile that continual monitoring of health needs and/or equipment is required. This 1:1 assignment may also include the bus trip to and from school.
• Conducts parent conferences and serves as liaison between physicians, parents, and staff.
• Nursing assignments may require travel from school to school.
• Reports to work as scheduled on a regular basis.
• Conferences with primary care physicians on the health needs of individual students.
• Maintains an organized and efficient health services facility.
• Maintains communication with administrators, teachers, other school personnel, and parents/guardians to enhance cooperative action, which will meet the health and safety needs of students.
• Maintains inventory and orders health supplies.
• Communicates with and serves as a liaison between the home, school, community health agencies, and the private medical sector to enhance the health and wellness of the school community.
• Participates in staffings, case-study reviews, annual reviews, and parent conferences. Attend faculty meetings.
• Works with community agencies for effective use of their resources and facilities.
• Participates as a member of professional nursing organizations and utilizes continuing education opportunities to enhance professional knowledge in both the nursing and education fields.
• Participates as an active member of the school community, representing health/wellness.
• Provides staff education about students\' medical needs as needed.
• Attends meetings as required or needed.
• Performs any other assigned duties. 

Terms of Employment: Confidential, 10-month employee.

Evaluation: Evaluated annually by the Director of Special Education.

Salary: Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and approved by the Board of Education.