Position Function/Purpose

The registered professional school nurse has as her primary purpose the strengthening of the educational process through improvement of the health status and learning of children.  In order to meet this purpose, the registered nurse:

  Sets and maintains standards of emergency care to minimize the effects of accidents and illness in the school

  Provides quality in-depth physical assessment to students, and to improve the delivery of health care

  Assists in the appropriate placement of students with exceptional needs

  Organizes a plan of action for those students with medication and specialized treatment needs due to chronic disabilities or illness.

  Ability to work with a diverse population

Qualification Requirements

    Special Knowledge/Skills:

  Experience in community health or pediatric nursing is preferred.

  Courses of study which strengthen growth in nursing, education, special education, health education, and other health-related fields is recommended.

  Courses of study for child growth and development.

    Minimum Experience:

   Two years of supervised nurse practice preferably in community health, prior to entry into

       school nursing

    Terms of Contract:  According to district approved calendar

    Major Responsibilities and Duties:

        Health Clinic Management 

1. Provide assessment and nursing care for ill and injured students.
2. Complete vision, hearing, spinal and dental screening.
3. Initiate appropriate and timely referral and follow-up relevant to the student's needs.
4. Anticipate supply and equipment needs to maintain an adequate health care facility.
5. Identify signs and symptoms of communicable disease and follow appropriate infectious disease control procedures.
6. Demonstrate and utilize current knowledge of drug and treatment protocols when        administering medications and treatments.
7. Maintain current student records documenting screening results and pertinent health information.
8. Maintain current immunization records on each pupil and notify parent of needed immunization.
9. Develop individual health care plans when indicated.
10. Inform Principal and School Health Supervisor of school health concerns
11. Provide information and support to students and families with acute and chronic illnesses and disabilities.
12. Provide appropriate intervention for crisis situations.
13. Provide health care, guidance, and education to students, families and staff as requested.
14. Serve as a resource person to students and staff members.
15. Assist families in accessing community health care resources.
16. Prepares all reports and information as required by local, state and federal guidelines. 

School/Organization Climate 

1. Participate in activities which promote optimal health care and education for students and staff members.
2. Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students, parents, staff and community members.
3. Comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for school district professional staff personnel. 
4. Attend and participate in faculty and nursing staff meetings, ARDs and parent conferences, and accept various committee assignments as indicated. 

        Personnel Management

1. Provide appropriate orientation and development of clinic assistants and nurse-extenders.
2. Demonstrate positive leadership and management skills in supervision of clinic assistants and nurse-extenders. 

        Professional Growth and Development 

1. Participate in the district staff development program.
2. Demonstrate interest and initiative in professional improvement
3. Observe professional and ethical standards in accordance with generally accepted community standards, the Texas Education Agency code of ethics, and the Texas Nurse Practice Act.

Working Conditions:

Emotional – Maintain emotional control under stress

Physical – Moderate carrying and lifting.  Standing, sitting, walking, use of fingers, eyes and ears

Environment – Inside normal office environment

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities.  Additionally, the minimum level of education noted as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) as determined by the hiring manager.