Department:

Nursing

Job Title:

School Nurse

FLSA Status:

(Exempt/Non-exempt)

Exempt

Reports to:

Principal and District Wellness Coordinator/Nurse Leader

GENERAL DESCRIPTION (1-3 LINES DESCRIBING ROLE):

The school nurse addresses and promotes the physical, mental, emotional and social well-being of students and the school community.  The school nurse supports student success by providing health care through assessment, intervention and follow-up for all children within the school setting.  The school nurse is an essential, professional member of the school community providing assessment and resources in all areas of health and wellness. As a member of the Student Support Services staff, the role of the school nurse is to promote good health practices for students and staff and to strive to ensure that all students and staff reach their optimal state of wellness.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, per the Board of Registration in Nursing(BORN).

• Current CPR/AED certification

• CORI background check

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous pediatric nursing experience

• Familiarity with Health Office Anywhere (electronic health record documentation)

• MA DESE Professional Support Personnel license

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES (NOT LIMITED TO):

Using sound clinical knowledge and judgment,adhering to the Nurse Practice Act, pertinent regulations governing nursing practice in Massachusetts, the guidelines and standards of care established by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education(MDESE) and in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough,  the school nurse routinely performs the following duties:

• Provides skilled nursing care for students and staff
• Performs health screenings
• Coordinates referrals to private healthcare providers
• Serves as a liaison between school personnel, family, and community healthcare providers to ensure a healthy school environment.

The job responsibilities of a school nurse include but are not limited to:

• Develops, implements, monitors and evaluates plans for student care 
• Provides a nurturing, welcoming, trusting and safe atmosphere
• Serves as a consultant with other school professionals
• Provides health-related education to students and staff in both individual and group settings
• Collaborates with staff and administration to ensure a healthy and safe school environment
• Monitors immunizations, managing communicable diseases, and assessing the school environment as to prevent injury and ensure safety
• Oversees infection control measures
• Actively participates in school safety plans that address school violence, bullying, and emergencies that may occur at school
• Oversees medication administration, health care procedures, and the development of healthcare plans
• Oversees mandated screenings, referrals and follow-up
• Makes decisions related to the delegation of healthcare tasks as directed by state laws and professional practice guidance
• Provides health advice to school educational teams both general education and special education
• Assists families with locating outside care and obtaining health insurance
• Maintains confidential, up-to-date cumulative health records on all students
• Participates on school and district based teams (ie Child Study Team, Student Support Team, Crisis Team, Wellness Committee)
• Consults with Wellness Coordinator/Nurse Leader, health department and/or school physician when appropriate
• Assists in arrangements for home and hospital tutor
• Participates in re-entry meetings
• Conducts home visits when necessary
• Develops and distributes the Medical Emergency Response Plan
• Oversees the maintenance and required documentation for Automated External Defibrillators
• Provides staff training, including but not limited to, epinephrine auto-injector administration twice yearly and Standard Precaution and classroom health emergency instruction annually

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work Environment:  

Work is generally performed in a school environment during the school day, however there may be occasions for afterschool meetings.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the nurse is frequently required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear.  The nurse is regularly required to bend, stoop, crouch and/or kneel.  The nurse is occasionally required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.  Must have sufficient mobility to navigate within a large school building.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.