Primary Purpose:

Assist the 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.

Required Experience

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:  

• Provides routine and emergency care for sick and injured students according to district policy and procedures.
• Coordinates management system to administer medications to students at school. Administers medications according to district policy and procedures.
• Provides prescribed medical treatments to students.
• Provides health education to individuals and groups.
• Provides health counseling and instruction to individual students.
• Serves as health advocate for students.
• Reviews and evaluates immunization records.
• Participates in Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee, school crisis team, and school committees as needed.
• Enforces procedures to ensure proper program administration according to district policy.
• Performs screening procedures as required by Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Education Agency, and district policy. Makes referrals as necessary.
• Participates in assessment and reporting of suspected child abuse.
• Requisitions supplies and equipment needed to maintain clinic inventory.
• Compiles, maintains, and files all reports, records, and other documents required, including clinic records and accurate updated health records on all students.
• Keeps 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:  

• Develops and coordinate continuing evaluation of campus health programs and make changes based on findings.
• Assesses student health problems and make appropriate referrals working with students, teachers, parents, and medical and health care professionals as needed.
• Makes 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: 

• Notifies parents of accident or illness and secure medical care for students in emergency cases (if parents or emergency contact cannot be reached).
• Reports potential health and safety hazards to principal and Health Services Director.
• Communicates regularly with principal and Health Services Director regarding health services issues.
• Serves as health liaison between school, physicians, parents, and community.
• Models 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:  

• Supervises and trains nurse aide(s) and/or LVN(s) in clinic procedures and responsibilities according to district policy.
• Trains and evaluates unlicensed assistant personnel in the delivery of certain medical procedures in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act.
• Maintains certification in CPR, vision, hearing, and spinal screening.
• Participates in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned to improve job performance.
• Keeps 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.
• Follows established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting, climbing, etc.
• Corrects unsafe conditions in work area and report any conditions that are not correctable to supervisor immediately.
• Complies with all district and campus routines and regulations.
• Complies 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.
• Complies 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.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the administrator or Director of Health Services.
• Maintains confidentiality. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Directs 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, scanner, copier, fax, telephone, and other equipment applicable to the position.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: 

• Works irregular and extended work hours to include holidays and weekends.
• Works 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 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.