Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Southern Garrett High School - GCPS

Location: Southern High School
FTE: Full-Time
Status: Non-Exempt (Support Personnel Bargaining Unit)
Terms: Full-time position, 10 months, 7.6 hours per day, 187-day work year (may vary depending on the needs of the system)

About the role

LPN in a school health setting is responsible for providing basic medical care and first aid to students, managing medications, and updating health records. They work under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), carrying out prescribed medical plans and monitoring students with acute or chronic conditions.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes evidence-based practice as the basis for decision-making in accordance with the Maryland Nurse Practice Act and the Scope and Standards of Practice for an LPN.
• Maintains student confidentiality in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Provides counseling and guidance and makes appropriate referrals for services needed to ensure the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of all individuals in the school-based community; serves as a resource to facilitate learning positive health and wellness behaviors for students and the school community at large.
• Attends systemic and departmental professional development and in-service workshops.
• Administers daily or emergency medications and provides first aid for injuries or sudden illnesses.
• Assists in monitoring students with conditions like asthma, allergies, or diabetes (including blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration).
• Maintains accurate, confidential student health records and logs health room visits using school databases.
• Assists the registered nurse (RN) with routine student health assessments and performs screenings such as vision and hearing.
• Contacts parents or guardians regarding student health issues, injuries, and medication refills.
• Helps respond to on-campus medical emergencies and assists the crisis team as needed.
• Works collaboratively with health care providers, students' parents, school district staff, and community agencies to ensure access and continuity of care for students.
• Assists in the establishment and maintenance of a comprehensive school health program.
• Collects information about the health development status of students for compliance with state immunization regulations and Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) policies.
• Implements policy regarding the exclusion and readmission of students in connection with certain infectious and contagious diseases as outlined in the Maryland Disease Summary and GCPS Policies.
• Maintains accurate records and documentation in accordance with state and federal law and GCPS policies.
• Intervenes as guided by the nursing care plan to implement nursing actions that promote, maintain, or restore health, prevent illness, and effect rehabilitation.
• Serves as a member of school teams as designated health care professional (e.g., Crisis Teams, PPT, Section 504).
• Provides instruction and training to staff on the Heimlich Maneuver, Bloodborne Pathogen training, the school district's Emergency plan, and care for students, including students with disabilities.
• Contributes to nursing and school health through innovations in theory, practice, and participation in research, including narrative and statistical reports.
• Uses medical equipment and approved health room supplies to provide health care to students/staff.
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by supervisors or other administrators.

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) certifications.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of nursing 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 various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to use appropriate written, verbal, and electronic communication formats to present information.
• Ability to enter data with accuracy into an electronic database system on a daily basis and ensure that all electronic student data is up-to-date, secure, and kept confidential.
• Ability to work in a team relationship with an RN.

Skills

• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, first aid, illnesses and injuries, nutrition, and related areas.
• Ability to convey appropriate medical information to school district staff or medical professionals to ensure proper maintenance in the school setting.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed for the position.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Google, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, the Internet, Outlook, electronic mail).
• Ability to problem-solve job-related issues.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals and students with special needs.
• Ability to follow oral and written orders from supervisors, administrators, physicians, and to coordinate work with principal, teachers, and others.
• Ability to describe orally and in writing school health services provided, issues, and concerns regarding school health.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and others contacted in the course of work.

Safety Requirements

• Adheres to all applicable professional safety standards and practices in the nursing field, including requirements set forth in federal and state law and Occupational Safety and Health regulations.
• Implements GCPS Bloodborne Pathogens and other Board policies regarding the medical or health care of employees and students.

Travel Requirements

Frequent travel between schools may be required.

Physical and Mental Demands

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

Pay

Nursing Asst: Support Salary Scale based upon experience and educational background ($21.20-$24.03 per hour).

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits include healthcare (medical, dental, vision), life insurance, and participation in the Maryland Retirement and Pension Plan, with optional 403(b) contributions. Employees receive paid sick leave, personal days, vacation, and access to wellness programs and employee assistance resources.