8280-Elementary School Nurse

Duty Days: 187  |  Pay Grade: T07‑T08

Primary Purpose

Ensure that learning is not hindered by a correctable health problem and educate students toward worthwhile decisions affecting present and future physical, social, and emotional health. Coordinate and implement comprehensive health services for campus and provide direct health services to students.

Qualifications

• Education/Certification: Graduate of an accredited professional nursing education program; valid Texas registered nurse license recorded in the personnel file; current CPR and AED certification; valid Texas Department of Health certification to conduct vision and hearing screening.
• Special Knowledge/Skills: Ability to solve practical problems and apply professional nursing judgment; knowledge of health appraisal to identify student health defects; ability to interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule instructions; strong organizational, management, and interpersonal skills; strong computer skills and quick adaptation to new software; proficiency with CPR, AED, Heimlich maneuver, and other physician‑ordered procedures; ability to work independently, meet critical deadlines, and collaborate with students, parents, and staff; willingness to attend workshops and training.
• Experience: One to two years work experience as a registered nurse preferred; school nursing and/or nursing experience with school‑aged children preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care for all ill and injured students using professional assessment skills, nursing interventions, and district health protocols.
• Screen students for disabilities that may interfere with learning and assist those with non‑correctable defects in school adjustment.
• Maintain each student’s cumulative health record, including health and immunization status, in the official Health Office system.
• Supervise control of communicable diseases by coordinating with students, parents, physicians, principals, and teachers; interpret exclusion/re‑admission regulations; report diseases to Administrative Services, Harris County Health Department, and other designated personnel.
• Develop individual healthcare plans based on parent and physician documentation; disseminate pertinent information to LVNs, teachers, and appropriate campus staff; assist with classroom management of health issues.
• Document daily student assessments, counseling, and health care procedures in Nurse’s Notes or the Health Office system.
• Collaborate with students, parents, physicians, teachers, district personnel, and community health providers to follow through on individual health problems.
• Establish school health protocols, clinic procedures, and routine tasks for LVNs, Health Clerks, and student assistants in accordance with district policies.
• Coordinate the management system for administering prescription medications; train designated campus personnel; ensure daily documentation of medication administration.
• Provide on‑site emergency care for serious trauma or illness and obtain outside emergency assistance; make emergency decisions when parents cannot be reached.
• Communicate with parents regarding serious illnesses/injuries, medication issues, special health procedures, and confidential matters; document contacts.
• Maintain current CPR/AED, vision, hearing, and spinal screening certifications; conduct annual screenings for mandated grades and enter results into the Health Office system.
• Participate in principal’s meetings to review Diabetes Management and Treatment Plans; develop Individual Healthcare Plans; provide diabetes education, monitor glucose, and administer routine treatment.
• Participate in ARD/504 meetings and collaborate on health‑related items in IEPs and IPPs.
• Report personal suspicion of child abuse in compliance with state law and district policies.
• Assess and monitor vital signs in suspected substance‑abuse cases; document and report findings to campus administration and district police.
• Provide health counseling and instruction to individual students; educate faculty and staff on health‑related topics.
• Make home visits on health‑related problems as directed by the campus principal.
• Serve as an active member of the campus crisis team.
• Provide and document annual training for all campus personnel on HIV/AIDS and Bloodborne Pathogens; follow the district’s Bloodborne Pathogen Control Plan for cleaning spills and wound care.
• Develop the annual clinic budget and communicate special needs to the principal.
• Report health trends, problems, and potential safety hazards to the principal.
• Demonstrate integrity, ethics, and absolute confidentiality; maintain a professional image in appearance, communication, and interaction.
• Meet task‑completion deadlines established by supervisors.
• Comply with federal/state laws, Texas Department of Health rules, and district policies; adhere to campus routines and regulations.
• Attend all district staff‑development activities for nurses and campus meetings designated by the principal; pursue professional growth through quality development opportunities.
• Perform other duties and accept responsibilities assigned by the principal.

Working Conditions

• Mental Demands: Effective verbal communication; maintain emotional control under stress; interpret policies, procedures, and data; coordinate district functions.
• Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Frequent prolonged and irregular hours; repetitive hand motions; prolonged computer use; steady phone interactions; moderate standing, walking, and bending.