About this role
School Nurse We are deeply committed to an inclusive curriculum and school community that reflects the diversity of our student population. We strive to have the highest quality educators and encourage applications from candidates representing a broad range of skills and diverse backgrounds. We seek candidates who are dedicated to inclusion and have a clear interest in being part of the richness of diversity that the New Bedford Public Schools community has to offer. Position:
• Nurse
Summary:
• The school nurse will perform professional nursing duties consistent with Massachusetts guidelines, regulations and statutes governing nursing, school health, and local district policy. The School Nurse will perform professional nursing duties and is responsible for developing, implementing and managing a school health program for a school population as defined by the school district and consistent with Massachusetts guidelines, regulations, and statutes governing nursing and school health. School nurse may support various schools throughout the district and work collaboratively with other school nurses to assist with the implementation of the school health program as defined by the school district. Outstanding organizational, written and communications skills as well as excellent interpersonal skills are essential for this position.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in nursing.
• Valid license to practice as a Registered nurse in Massachusetts.
• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education School Nurse licensure or able to secure this required license.
• Assumes responsibility for continuing own education; obtains expert consultation, supervision and peer review as needed.
• A minimum of two years of employment as a Registered nurse in a child health, community health or other relevant clinical nursing setting is strongly preferred.
• School Health Nursing experience preferred.
• Possess a current knowledge in such areas as professional issues in school nursing, school and community health, communicable disease control, growth and development, health assessment, special health conditions, injury prevention and emergency care, health counseling, health education and promotion, and current adolescent issues.
• Current CPR certification.
Responsibilities:
• Establishes and manages a comprehensive school health program consistent with the Massachusetts guidelines, regulations and statues governing nursing and school health, and local school district policy.
• Participates in the orientation and training of newly hired school nurses, LPN's, Heath Service Representatives and CNA's.
• Promotes safety practices both within and outside of school buildings according to the school Emergency Plan which is communicated to personnel and students.
• Maintains comprehensive school health records.
• Collaborates with school administrators and personnel in assessing, improving, and maintaining a healthy school environment.
• Carries out communicable disease prevention and infection control based on current guidelines for universal precautions, prevention of bloodborne pathogens exposure and hazardous medical waste disposal.
• Provides medically prescribed interventions including the administration of medication (based on MDPH regulations) and nursing procedures and provides nursing care and case management for children with special health care needs (includes regular and special education students).
• Using the nursing process, collaborates with the parent/guardian and student, where appropriate, to develop and implement an individualized health care plan for the student.
• Serves as a mandated reporter in accordance with MGL, Chapter 119, section 51A and school district policies, identifies, documents, and reports suspected abuse or neglect.
• Establishes a process to identify students at risk for physical and social problems, communicate health needs to other school personnel on a need-to-know basis.
• May serve on health service committees e.g. care plan, protocol, immunization, attendance committees.
• Acts a resource in health education to students and families; teaches the basic principles of health promotion and disease prevention.
• Uses community resources for referral of students with unmet health needs, including the need for primary care providers, immunizations, and other community services.
• Coordinate state mandated yearly screenings in the areas of vision, hearing, height, weight, postural, and SBIRT screenings.
• Participate in special needs evaluation teams when needed.
• Monitor mandated immunizations and exclude students who do not meet state and local requirements.
• Monitor mandatory TB risk program, including weekly screening and follow up with community providers for mandated TB testing.
• Participate in the Medication Delegation Program.
• Order and maintain all health supplies.
• Provide acute and emergency care in cases of injury or sudden illness for students
• Collaborate with internal staff, as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager of Health Services/Principal or designee.
Terms of Employment:
• Reports to: School Principal, Health Services Manager or designee
• Rate: In accordance with the Unit A contract found here
The New Bedford Public Schools do not discriminate on account of age, race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, genetics, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions in employment for potential employees. New Bedford Public Schools encourages people with multilingual skills, particularly in Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese and/or Spanish, to apply. Every available opportunity will be taken in order to ensure that each applicant is selected on the basis of qualifications, merit and ability.