BASIC FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITY: Implement district school health programs and provide direct services to meet the needs of the students and staff under the direct clinical supervision of the Health Services Supervisor or school nurse (RN).

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities noted herein; however, this is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

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  High School diploma and graduation from an accredited Vocational Nurse Training Program.
• Valid Texas Vocational Nurses License issued by the Texas Board of Nursing.
• Certification in CPR, use of the AED, and state-mandated screenings. Must maintain certification.

Preferred:

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  Hearing, vision, spinal, Acanthosis Nigricans, and screener certifications (can be obtained in-district). Must maintain certifications.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

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  Practical working knowledge of nursing procedures and techniques, preferably in the pediatric setting.
• Ability to implement policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of basic first aid.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient keyboarding and file maintenance skills.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
• Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently as needed.

Experience:

• One year experience in community health, pediatric nursing or nursing which includes contact with school-age children..

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Nursing Services:

• Provides direct care utilizing school health procedures and protocols and Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs) established by the RN supervisor, and/or medical advisory.
• 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.
• Serve as a health advocate for students.
• Ensure that medications are administered to students according to district policy and procedures.
• Carries out mandatory screenings, collects data and submits required reports as directed.
• Applies universal precautions to maintain the health and safety of the overall campus.
• Provide basic first aid care for minor injuries and illnesses and obtain necessary assistance in cases of serious trauma and /or illness.
• Identifies health problems and makes referrals for students for further evaluation as necessary and conducts follow up as needed in an effort to obtain optimal health for each student.

Consultation:

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  Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee (ARD) meeting of students with identifiable health needs if the RN is unable and collaborate with appropriate staff and RN regarding the implementation of health-related Individual Education Plan (IEP) items.
• Distribute information to faculty or staff on health-related topics as needed and as directed by the RN.
• Contributes to and implements the IHPs as established by the RN.
• Collaborate with other professionals regarding the implementation of health-related Individual Education Plan (IEP) items.
• Collaborates with the campus principal, school counselor, teachers, parents, nutrition services and other staff under the direction of the supervising RN regarding the health needs of the general population and those students with identified health conditions.
• Communicate with parents regarding individual students and serves as a liaison between school personnel, the family, health care professionals, and the community, to ensure appropriate referral and follow-up for student health needs.
• Notify parents of accidents or illnesses. Secure emergency medical care for students as needed.
• Educate faculty or staff on health-related topics as needed as directed by the school nurse (RN).

Administration:

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  Maintain accurate and confidential student health records, including immunization records, medication administration records, and individual student treatment records.
• 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.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, Texas Department of Health rule, State Board of Education rule, and board policy in the health services area. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Monitor supplies and equipment to maintain clinic inventory.
• Report potential health and safety hazards to the District Head and/or Assistant Head Nurse and campus principal.
• Advise campus administration in crisis or emergency situations and participate in assessment and reporting of suspected child abuse.

Other:

• 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).

• Accepts supervision and direction from the supervising RN and/or campus principal.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Provide guidance to unlicensed assistive personnel or other school staff on health-related tasks as directed by the RN.

MENTAL DEMANDS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard medical clinic equipment including automated external defibrillator (AED); special needs adaptive equipment; standard office equipment including computer and peripherals.

Posture: Frequent standing, sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing, pulling, and twisting.

Motion: Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension.

Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds); may require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and position of students with physical disabilities and assisting non-ambulatory students.

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases.

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

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  Adapted from Recommended School Health Staff Roles published by the Texas Department of Health School Health Advisory Committee, January 14, 2013.