Substitute School Nurse

Xavier Catholic Schools is seeking a long-term substitute School Nurse to support the students at St Matthew Elementary School! 

Position Summary: The School Nurse plays a critical role in promoting the health and well-being of students, staff, school community, and Early Learning Center (if applicable for the school). Serving as a liaison between healthcare providers, families, and school personnel, the School Nurse provides preventive care, assesses health needs, and responds to medical emergencies to support optimal learning and overall wellness. 

Essential Functions and Key Responsibilities: 

• Health Assessment and Monitoring

1. Conduct health screenings and assessments to identify students' physical, emotional, and developmental health needs
2. Monitor and track immunization records, medical histories, and health-related concerns to ensure compliance with state and school district health policies
3. Collaborate with parents, teachers, and healthcare providers to develop individualized health plans and accommodations for students with chronic conditions or special healthcare needs

• Illness and Injury Management

1. Provide first aid and triage for students and staff members who become ill or injured during school hours, administering appropriate treatments and referrals as needed
2. Assess symptoms of contagious diseases and implement infection control measures to prevent the spread of illness within the school community
3. Maintain accurate records of health-related incidents, treatments provided, and follow-up care recommendations in accordance with school policies and privacy regulations

• Medication Administration and Management

1. Administer medications to students as prescribed by healthcare providers, following established protocols and ensuring proper documentation of doses administered
2. Educate students, parents, and school staff on medication safety, dosage instructions, and potential side effects to promote responsible medication management
3. Oversee the storage, handling, and disposal of medications in compliance with state regulations and school policies, maintaining accurate medication logs and inventory records

• Health Education and Promotion

1. Develop and implement health education programs and initiatives to promote healthy lifestyle choices, disease prevention, and safety awareness among students and families
2. Collaborate with teachers to integrate health-related topics into the curriculum, providing resources and instructional support for health education lessons and activities
3. Organize health fairs, workshops, and community outreach events to engage students, families, and stakeholders in health promotion efforts and preventive care
4. Report required medical information to governing bodies including, but not limited to, immunizations, screenings, etc.

• Crisis Intervention and Support

1. Provide emotional support and counseling to students experiencing health-related concerns, mental health issues, or personal crises, referring them to appropriate resources and support services as needed
2. Collaborate with school administrators and crisis response teams to develop emergency preparedness plans and protocols for responding to medical emergencies, natural disasters, and other crises
3. Participate in interdisciplinary teams and committees focused on student safety, wellness initiatives, and school climate improvement efforts

Qualifications:

Education and Experience: 

1. Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in the state of practice, with a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) preferred
2. Certification as a School Nurse (CSN) or willingness to obtain certification within a specified timeframe (if required by state or district)
3. Experience working in pediatric nursing, public health, or school nursing preferred

Skills and Competencies: 

1. Strong assessment, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders
2. Knowledge of pediatric health issues, developmental milestones, and evidence-based practices in school health services
3. Proficiency in data tracking systems and basic computer skills for documentation and communication purposes
4. Commitment to upholding ethical standards, confidentiality, and professionalism in all aspects of school nursing practice
5. Practicing Catholic preferred