Job Summary:  The School Nurse will implement district health services program to best meet 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.

Duties and Responsibilities:

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.

Instruction

8.     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

9.     Collaborate closely with campus principal(s) 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.

10.   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.

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

Administration

12.   Work with leadership 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.

13.   Supervise, train, and participate in evaluating health aides or other school personnel who have responsibility for assisting students with health needs.

14.   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.

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

16.   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.

17.   Report potential health and safety hazards to principal.

18.   Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

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).

Education:

Graduate of an accredited professional nursing education program

Valid registered nurse license (RN) from the Texas Board of Nursing

Current automatic external defibrillator (AED) and cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificates

Work Experience:  Minimum of 1 year nursing experience required

Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, and the individual should demonstrate the following competencies to perform the essential functions of this position:

•                      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

Equipment Used

·       Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to the program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

·       Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and data base management;

·       Experience working in a Google environment preferred.

Working/Environmental Conditions/Mental Demands/Physical Demands:

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.  Ability to carry and/or lift less than 15 pounds.

FUNDING SOURCE:

·       Fund Source:  ARP ESSER III – 100%

o   ARP ESSER III funded positions may perform no duties outside the intent of the ARP ESSER III program.

o   This position is funded for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years under the federal ARP ESSER III grant. Continuation of the position beyond that date is contingent on available funding.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: Job performance is evaluated according to policy provisions and contractual agreements adopted by The Rhodes School. The Rhodes School is an equal opportunity employer. This job description identifies general responsibilities and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties performed. This document is subject to change in response to student demographics, staffing factors, funding variables, modified operating procedures, program/curriculum changes, and unforeseen events.