Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Broad Ford School - GCPS

Full-time, non-exempt position within the Support Personnel Bargaining Unit. 10-month term, 7.6 hours per day, 187-day work year; schedule may vary based on system needs.

About the Role

As a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in a school health setting, you will provide basic medical care and first aid to students, manage medications, and update health records. You will work under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), carrying out prescribed medical plans and monitoring students with acute or chronic conditions.

Responsibilities

• Utilize evidence-based practice for decision-making in accordance with the Maryland Nurse Practice Act and the Scope and Standards of Practice for an LPN.
• Maintain student confidentiality per FERPA and HIPAA.
• Provide counseling, guidance, and referrals to ensure the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of students and the school community.
• Administer daily or emergency medications and provide first aid for injuries or sudden illnesses.
• Assist in monitoring students with conditions such as asthma, allergies, or diabetes, including blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration.
• Maintain accurate, confidential student health records and log health room visits using school databases.
• Assist the RN with routine student health assessments and perform screenings such as vision and hearing.
• Contact parents or guardians regarding student health issues, injuries, and medication refills.
• Respond to on-campus medical emergencies and assist the crisis team as needed.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, parents, school staff, and community agencies to ensure continuity of care for students.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining a comprehensive school health program.
• Collect and document student health information for compliance with state immunization regulations and GCPS policies.
• Implement policies regarding exclusion and readmission of students with infectious or contagious diseases.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with state, federal, and GCPS policies.
• Implement nursing actions guided by care plans to promote, maintain, or restore health and prevent illness.
• Serve as a member of school teams (e.g., Crisis Teams, PPT, Section 504) as the designated healthcare professional.
• Provide training to staff on the Heimlich Maneuver, Bloodborne Pathogen training, emergency plans, and care for students, including those with disabilities.
• Contribute to nursing and school health through innovations in theory, practice, and participation in research, including narrative and statistical reports.
• Use medical equipment and approved health room supplies to provide healthcare to students and staff.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by supervisors or administrators.
• Attend systemic and departmental professional development and in-service workshops.

Requirements

• Current unencumbered Maryland Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license.
• Current certification in First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers, and Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
• Knowledge of nursing principles, practices, and child growth and development.
• Ability to use critical thinking skills and nursing judgment.
• Ability to handle and maintain highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Proficiency in written, verbal, and electronic communication formats.
• Ability to enter data accurately into electronic databases and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team with an RN.

Skills

• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, first aid, illnesses, injuries, nutrition, and related areas.
• Ability to convey medical information to school staff or professionals to ensure proper care in the school setting.
• Basic arithmetic skills for the position.
• Proficiency in using personal computers and software applications (e.g., Google, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, email, and the Internet).
• Problem-solving skills for job-related issues.
• Ability to work with diverse groups and students with special needs.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions from supervisors, administrators, and physicians.
• Ability to coordinate work with principals, teachers, and others.
• Strong oral and written communication skills to describe school health services, issues, and concerns.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and others.

Safety Requirements

• Adhere to all applicable professional safety standards and practices in the nursing field, including federal and state laws and Occupational Safety and Health regulations.
• Implement GCPS Bloodborne Pathogens and other Board policies regarding medical or healthcare for employees and students.

Travel Requirements

Frequent travel between schools may be required.

Work Environment

• Work in a standard school building environment.
• Exposure to body secretions, bloodborne pathogens, medicine, medicinal supplies, illnesses, and diseases.

Pay

Salary based on the Nursing Asst: Support Salary Scale, ranging from $21.20 to $24.03 per hour, depending on experience and educational background.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare benefits (medical, dental, vision).
• Life insurance.
• Participation in the Maryland Retirement and Pension Plan.
• Optional 403(b) contributions.
• Paid sick leave, personal days, and vacation.
• Access to wellness programs and employee assistance resources.