What are the responsibilities and job description for the Substitute School Nurse position at Valley West School?
Overview
The Call-In Substitute School Nurse provides professional nursing services to students and staff on an as-needed basis when the regular school nurse is unavailable. The substitute nurse is responsible for promoting the health and safety of students, managing routine and emergency medical care, administering medications, maintaining health records, and supporting students with complex medical, behavioral, and emotional needs in a therapeutic educational environment.
Responsibilities
- Provide nursing care to students and staff during the school day.
- Assess and respond appropriately to student illnesses, injuries, and medical emergencies.
- Administer prescription and over-the-counter medications in accordance with physician orders, Massachusetts regulations, and Valley West School policies.
- Perform routine nursing procedures, including first aid, wound care, monitoring vital signs, and other treatments as ordered.
- Maintain accurate and confidential student health records.
- Review and follow Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHPs), Emergency Care Plans (ECPs), and physician orders.
- Communicate with parents/guardians regarding student illness or injury when appropriate.
- Collaborate with school administrators, teachers, counselors, behavior specialists, and related service providers to support student health and educational success.
- Determine when students should return to class, be sent home, or require emergency medical services.
- Ensure compliance with infection control procedures and universal precautions.
- Monitor and maintain medical supplies and emergency equipment during the workday.
- Document all nursing assessments, treatments, medications administered, and parent communications.
- Participate in emergency preparedness and follow school emergency response procedures.
- Maintain confidentiality of all student and employee medical information in accordance with HIPAA, FERPA, and applicable Massachusetts laws.
- Perform other nursing-related duties as assigned.
Resquirements
- Current unrestricted Massachusetts Registered Nurse (RN) license required.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification required.
- Current certification in AED use preferred.
- School nursing experience preferred.
- Experience working with children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral, developmental, or special education needs preferred.
- Knowledge of Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education regulations related to school health services.
- Ability to remain calm and make sound clinical decisions during emergencies.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with school personnel.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
- Ability to respond quickly to medical emergencies throughout the building.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and assist students as needed throughout the school day.
Work Environment
Valley West School is a Chapter 766 approved private special education school serving students with significant social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. The substitute school nurse must be comfortable working in a fast-paced educational setting and interacting with students who may require behavioral support in addition to medical care.
Schedule
- Per diem, on-call position.
- Hours generally follow the student school day.
- No guarantee of hours; work is assigned based on staffing needs.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40.00 - $45.00 per hour
Physical Setting:
- Special education school
Ability to Commute:
- Chicopee, MA 01013 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $40 - $45