BASIC FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITY: Implement district health services program to best meet the needs of the student population on the assigned campus. Provide health services to students, facilitate positive student responses to normal development; promote health and safety; intervene with actual and potential health problems; provide case management; and actively collaborate with others to build student and family capacity for adaptation, self-management, self-advocacy and learning. (NASN, 2011).

ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:
1. Graduate of an accredited professional nursing education program.

2. Valid registered nurse license to practice professional nursing in Texas from the State Board of Nurse Examiners.

3. Current automatic external defibrillator (AED) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificates.

Preferred:
4. Hearing, vision, spinal, Acanthosis Nigricans, and screener certifications (can be obtained in-district). Must maintain certifications.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

5. Practical working knowledge of health appraisal to identify student health defects and nursing procedures/techniques. Preferably in the pediatric setting.

6. Ability to implement policies and procedures.

7. Knowledge of basic first aid.

8. Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

9. Proficient keyboarding and file maintenance skills.

10. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence

11. Self-starter with strong problem solving skills and ability to work independently as needed.

Experience:

12. Two years nursing experience, preferably in community health, pediatric or family health.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities noted herein; however, this is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Nursing Services:
13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. Serve as a health advocate for students.

17. Establish and implement effective procedures for carrying out mandatory screening programs and submission of required reports.

18. Ensure that medications are administered to students according to district policy and procedures.

19. Perform tube feeding, urinary catheterizations and other medical procedures within the scope of a registered nurse's practice and according to district policy and procedures.

Consultation:

20. Collaborate closely with campus principals 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.

21. 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.

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

23. Communicate with parents regarding individual students and serves as a liaison between school personnel, the family, health care professionals, and the community, to ensure appropriate referral and follow up for student health needs.

24. Notify parents of accidents or illnesses. Secure emergency medical care for students as needed.

25. 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.
26. May make home visits to help with student health problems as necessary.

Administration:
27. Work with the District Head and/or the Assistant Head Nurse(s) to develop and coordinate continuing evaluation of campus health programs and make changes based on findings. Develop and recommend campus policies and procedures to promote the health and wellness of students and staff.

28. Supervise, train, and participate in evaluating LVNs and other staff with responsibility for assisting students with health needs to whom the school nurse has delegated tasks.

29. Coordinate and deliver training for school employees acting as unlicensed diabetes care assistants evaluating unlicensed diabetes care assistants.

30. 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.

31. Requisition supplies and equipment to maintain clinic inventory.

32. 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.

33. Report potential health and safety hazards to the District Head and/or Assistant Head Nurse and campus principal.

34. district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Other:
35. 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).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Direct the work of A licensed vocational nurse (LVN), assigned health clinic aide(s) and nursing students.

MENTAL DEMANDS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard medical clinic equipment including automated external defibrillator (AED); special needs adaptive equipment; standard office equipment including computer and peripherals.

Posture: Frequent standing, sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing, pulling, and twisting. 

Motion: Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension.

Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and position of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraining, assisting nonambulatory
students.

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases.

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

*Adapted from Recommended School Health Staf Roles published by the Texas Department of Health School Health AdvisoryCommittee, January 14, 2013.