School Nurse
Primary Purpose:
Implement comprehensive program of health services for campus. Provide health services to students. Promote health education and preventive health practices for students.
Education / Certification:
* Graduate of an accredited professional nursing education program.
* Valid registered nurse license to practice professional nursing in Texas from the State Board of Nurse Examiners.
* Certified by Texas Department of Health to conduct vision and hearing screening.
* CPR Certification.
Special Knowledge / Skills:
* Knowledge of health appraisal to identify student health defects.
* Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to implement policies and procedures.
Experience / Other Requirements:
* Two years nursing experience, preferably in pediatrics or family health.
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Nursing Services
* Provide direct care utilizing professional assessment skills, the nursing process, and established school health protocols.
* Serve as health advocate for students and staff.
* Notify parents of accident or illness and secure medical care for students in emergency cases (if parents or emergency contact cannot be reached).
* Administer medications to students at school. Administer medications according to district policy and procedures.
* Provide medical treatments and procedures according to Physicians orders and parent authorization.
* Establish and implement effective procedures for mandatory screening programs. Make referrals as necessary.
Instruction
* Participate in development of campus health education curriculum and provide health education to individuals and groups.
* Educate faculty and staff as needed on health related topics.
* Provide health counseling and instruction to individual students.
Consultation
* Serve as health liaison between school, physicians, parents, and community.
* Assess student medical needs and make appropriate referrals working with students, teachers, parents, and medical and health care professionals as needed.
* Participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee, crisis team, and school committees and develops Individual Health Plan.
* Collaborate with other professionals regarding implementation of health-related Individual Education Plan (IEP) items.
* Participate in assessment and reporting of suspected child abuse.
* Make home visits to help with student health problems as necessary with permission of principal.
* Communicate regularly with principal, health services coordinator, school counselor, teachers, parents, food services, and other staff regarding health services issues.
* Assess emergent health care needs of campus staff. Make appropriate referrals and assist with completion of workers compensation forms as needed for staff injuries.
Administration
* Review and evaluate immunization records for state compliance.
* Supervise and train nurse aide(s), LVN(s) and assigned campus staff in clinic procedures and responsibilities according to district policy.
* Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required, including clinic records and accurate, updated health records on all students.
* Compile and submit annual state reports.
* Requisition supplies and equipment needed to maintain clinic inventory.
* Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, Texas Department of State Health rule, State Board of Education rule, and Comal ISD board policy in health services area.
* Report potential health and safety hazards to principal.
* Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
* Responsible for properly maintaining district records, adhering to all policies set forth by the district for records maintenance ad learning the records retention schedule for department records.
* Performs other duties as assigned.
Professional Development
* Maintain certification in CPR, vision and hearing screening.
* Model Behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Direct the work of licensed vocational nurse (LVN) and assigned health clinic aide(s).
Equipment Used:
Thermometer, blood pressure cuff, audiometer, otoscope, sphygmomanometer, vision screening equipment, thermoscan, basic clinic equipment, telephone, computer, and copier.