Primary Purpose:

Assist Health Services Director in implementing a comprehensive program of health services. Provide health services to students.  Promote health education and preventive health practices for students.

Minimum Qualifications:

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

State certified to conduct vision, hearing, spinal and type 2 diabetes screening or within 6 months of employment

Appropriate CPR Certification

Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50)

paid by employee.

Experience/Knowledge/Skills:

One (1) year nursing experience, preferably in community health or pediatrics

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required)

Professionalism

The Educators' Code of Ethics is set forth in Texas Administrative Code to provide rules for standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community.  

• Rule §247.1 Purpose and Scope; Definitions
• Rule §247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators

Organization Management

The school nurse manages administrative, fiscal, and facilities functions responsibly through the following:  

• Provide routine and emergency care for sick and injured students according to district policy and procedures.
• Coordinate management system to administer medications to students at school. Administer medications according to district policy and procedures.
• Provide prescribed medical treatments to students.
• Provide health education to individuals and groups.
• Provide health counseling and instruction to individual students.
• Serve as health advocate for students.
• Review and evaluate immunization records.
• Participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee, school crisis team, and school committees as needed.
• Enforce procedures to ensure proper program administration according to district policy.
• Perform screening procedures as required by Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Education Agency, and district policy. Make referrals as necessary. 
• Participate in assessment and reporting of suspected child abuse.
• Requisition supplies and equipment needed to maintain clinic inventory.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required, including clinic records and accurate updated health records on all students.
• Keep nurse’s office clean and sanitary. 

Organization Improvement

The school nurse promotes efforts to improve the school or organization through activities such as the following:  

• Develop and coordinate continuing evaluation of campus health programs and make changes based on findings.
• Assess student health problems and make appropriate referrals working with students, teachers, parents, and medical and health care professionals as needed.
• Make home visits to help with student health problems, as necessary, with permission of principal.

Communication and Community Relations

The school nurse promotes a positive tone for school or community relations through activities such as the following:  

• Notify parents of accident or illness and secure medical care for students in emergency cases (if parents or emergency contact cannot be reached).
• Report potential health and safety hazards to principal and Health Services Director.
• Communicate regularly with principal and Health Services Director regarding health services issues. 
• Serve as health liaison between school, physicians, parents, and community.
• Model behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.  

Professional Growth and Development

The school nurse participates in professional growth and development through activities such as the following:  

• Supervise and train nurse aide(s) and/or LVN(s) in clinic procedures and responsibilities according to district policy.
• Train and evaluate unlicensed assistant personnel in the delivery of certain medical procedures in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act.
• Maintain certification in CPR, vision, hearing, and spinal screening.
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned to improve job performance.
• Keep informed of the latest trends in school health services.  

Qualities of an Effective Campus Nurse

The school nurse exhibits qualities such as the following:  

• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job.
• Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting, climbing, etc.
• Correct unsafe conditions in work area and report any conditions that are not correctable to supervisor immediately.
• Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
• Shall comply with the standards of conduct as set out in Board Policy DH (Legal) and (Local) and with any other policies, regulations, and guidelines that impose duties, requirements, or standards.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, Texas Department of State Health Services rules, State Board of Education rules, and board policy in the area of health services.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the administrator or Director of Health Services.  

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct the work of assigned nurse aide(s) and/or LVN’s; assist assigned nurse aide(s) and/or LVN(s) when the health needs of students demand a case-management approach.

Equipment:

Thermometer, blood pressure cuff, audiometer, otoscope, sphygmomanometer, health screening equipment, basic clinic equipment, student medical equipment, personal computer, copier, fax, scanner and telephone.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:  

• Work irregular and extended work hours to include holidays and weekends.
• Work with frequent interruptions and maintain emotional control under stress.
• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, walking, pushing and pulling, regular lifting of loads up to and including 50 pounds.
• Exposure to biological hazards, pathogens, and communicable diseases.
• May require feeding, diapering, and caring for severely handicapped students.
• Frequent district wide travel.  

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.