School Nurse

Primary Purpose:

Implement district health services program to best meets the needs of the student population on the assigned campus. Provide health services to students. Promote health and safety education for students and preventive health practices for students.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:
Graduate of an accredited professional nursing education program
Registered nurse license (RN) verified from the Texas Board of Nursing (Preferred)
Licensed vocational nurse (LVN) verified from the Texas Board of Nursing
Current automatic external defibrillator (AED) and cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificates
Vision, Hearing, Spinal and Acanthosis Nigricans Certification, preferred
AHA, BLS, Instructor certification preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills:
Knowledge of health appraisal to identify student health defects
Ability to implement policies and procedures
Knowledge of basic first aid
Proficient keyboarding and file maintenance skills
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:
Three years of nursing experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Nursing Services

1. Provide direct care using professional assessment skills, the nursing process, individualized healthcare plans (IHPs), and established school health protocols. Provide health counseling and instruction to individual students.

2. Assess student problems, communicate with parents regarding individual students, and ensure appropriate referrals and follow up as needed. Serve as a liaison between school personnel, the family, healthcare professionals, and the community.

3. Notify parents of accident or illness. Secure emergency medical care for students as needed.

4. Develop and implement individualized healthcare plans (IHPs) and evaluate outcomes of skilled and direct nursing care and procedures for medically fragile students to ensure safe integration of the student into the school environment.

5. Serve as health advocate for students.

6. Ensure that medications are administered to students according to district policy and procedures.

7. Establish and implement effective procedures for carrying out mandatory screening programs.

8. May make home visits to help with student health problems as necessary.

Instruction

9. Participate in development of campus health education curriculum, educate faculty and staff as needed on health related topics, and provide health education to individuals and groups including contributing to campus communications to parents and the local community regarding health issues.

Consultation

10. Collaborate closely with campus principal and other staff and provide leadership to ensure a healthy school environment. Work to meet the health needs of the general school population and those students with identified health conditions.

11. Participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee (ARD) meetings of students with identified health needs and develop Individual Health Plans (IHPs). Work with district personnel regarding implementation of IEP goals and services.

12. Advise campus administration in crisis or emergency situations and participate in assessment and reporting of suspected child abuse.

Administration

13. Work with health services coordinator to develop and coordinate continuing evaluation of campus health program and make changes based on findings. Develop and recommend campus policies and procedures to promote the health and wellness of students and staff.

14. Supervise, train, and participate in evaluating LVNs, unlicensed diabetes care assistants, other unlicensed assistive personnel, or other school personnel who have responsibility for assisting students with health needs.

15. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required, including clinic records and accurate and confidential student health records such as immunization records, medication administration records, individual student treatment records, and IHPs.

16. Requisition supplies and equipment needed to maintain clinic inventory.

17. Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, Texas Department of Health rule, State
Board of Education rule, and board policy. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.

18. Report potential health and safety hazards to principal.

Professional Development

19. Maintain professional nursing skills and knowledge as required by the Texas Nurse Practice Act and the
Texas Board of Nursing including certification for mandated screenings and Basic Life Support for
Healthcare providers (CPR/AED).

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct the work of licensed vocational nurse (LVN) and assigned health clinic aide(s).