About this role
RESPONSIBILITIES: The school nurse is responsible for medication management, treatments, ongoing assessments, and parent communication. QUALIFICATIONS: Must have a valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse or LPN in Massachusetts. Maintain certification in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and first aid from a recognized provider, i.e. American Heart Association. Must be computer literate. LENGTH OF POSITION: Sub as needed REPORTS TO: Program Director / Coordinator of School Nursing RESPONSIBILITIES: Program Management
• Establishes and manages a comprehensive school health program consistent with the guidelines, regulations and statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including those governing the Departments of Education and Public Health, among others.
• Consults with the school physician, program directors and clinical staff to establish, review and revise policies, procedures and specific programs for comprehensive school health education and services.
• Promotes positive safety practices both within and outside of school buildings, and ensures that the school has an
emergency plan which is communicated to personnel and students. Nursing Services
• Collaborates with the parent/guardian and student, where appropriate, to develop and implement an individualized health care plan for the student.
• Collects information about the health and developmental status of the student, his/her family, and significant other, in a systematic and continuous manner including health and social histories, screening results, physical assessment, emotional status, performance level and health goals.
• Develops a nursing diagnosis and care plan with specific goals and interventions delineating school nursing actions specific to student needs and coordinated with the efforts of other providers and school personnel; implements care plans in a manner aimed at improving health and educational status.
• Provides medically prescribed interventions, including medication administration (based on state regulations anddoctor's orders), and provides care to children with health needs on a daily basis.
• Responds to frequently encountered health issues, providing counseling and crisis intervention when required, e.g. adolescent pregnancy, substance abuse, death of a family member, suicide; responds to child neglect or abuse issues as required by Massachusetts statute.
• Assesses student response to nursing actions in order to revise the data base, nursing diagnoses, and nursing care plan and to determine the progress made toward goal achievement; documents pertinent information in student records or confidential nursing notes.
• Provides first aid to injured children and staff; provides everyday care of acutely and chronically ill children; manages children with communicable disease.
Collaboration
• Collaborates with other professionals, team members and community providers in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and other school health activities, so as to maximize and coordinate services.
• When not providing medical services, will work in one classroom with students as assigned by the Program Director.
• Works cooperatively with the school district nurse regarding nursing services to collaborative students and others.
Health Education
• Assists students, families and groups to achieve optimal levels of wellness through health education and promotion.
• Identifies need for health education; teaches the basic principles of health promotion and disease prevention to students and staff, using principles of learning and appropriate teaching methods.
• Coordinates in-service programs for school personnel for first aid, emergency care procedures, and current health issues.
• Acts as a resource in health education to school personnel, students and families.
5. Ability to follow through all responsibilities as reasonable in a substitute capacity. EOE SSEC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, religion, limited English speaking ability, or housing status.