Registered Nurse - Itinerant

Essential Job Functions

• Refers employees to the health center or his/her doctor for further evaluation and follow up.
• Provides direct nursing services to students and staff in the school.
• Performs treatment procedures in accordance with physician and/or licensed health care provider's instructions.
• Trains appropriate personnel to perform treatment procedures.
• Administers and manages student health service plans; writes student plans of care.
• Treats minor accidents and health emergencies.
• Contacts emergency services and parents when necessary; performs first aid and CPR until help arrives.
• Teaches and assists with hygiene; monitors and screens student health.
• Attends home, hospital, or school meetings to discuss the medical needs of students entering programs; acts as health resource person; assists teachers with health questions.
• Administers first aid and emergency care; performs scheduled healthcare procedures per medical health care provider order.
• Provides case management for students with chronic and newly diagnosed health care needs; participates in Individualized Educational Program teams (IEPs) and 504 meetings as necessary; obtains Individualized Care Plans and the health alert documents; distributes health alerts to administrators and to all necessary school personnel in a timely manner in accordance with the Family Education and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Coordinates and/or performs health care, developmental, and other screenings per state mandates; evaluates findings, refers and follows-up as required by Virginia school law and School Board policy.
• Provides interpretation on a variety of documentation, files, and records (e.g. health care plans, accident reports, immunization records, etc.) in compliance with local, state and federal requirements.
• Safeguards adequate supplies in the school clinic; checks first aid supplies and equipment daily; secures and monitors medications including controlled substances as required by law.
• Administers and/or trains appropriate personnel to administer medication to appropriate students, with parental permission and a Licensed Health Care Provider’s order for prescription medication; keeps medication permission forms on file.
• Trains, regularly evaluates, and assesses competency of clinic assistants or school administrator delegated personnel in medication administration and procedures to support specific healthcare needs of students.
• Assists with public health emergency responses.
• Completes necessary trainings, forms, and procedures for Bloodborne Pathogen exposure incidents as outlined in School Board policy and Regulations.
• Ensures compliance with all school laws protecting the confidentiality of medical information, of school health laws and regulations for school officials as needed and personnel, parents and the community; obtains written consent from the parent/guardian to share information.
• Writes plans of care for Medicaid per Department of Medical Services (DMAS) guidelines.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of health conditions and treatments, and child growth and development.
• Comprehensive knowledge of first aid, CPR, and AED operation; of medications/side-effects and health care procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to screen and assess illnesses, injuries, and seizures to determine appropriate immediate treatment and to handle emergencies.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective and sensitive relationships with students with special needs, parents, staff and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work schedules, work independently, train school personnel, and assume responsibility without direct supervision.
• Working knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of school nursing; of health promotion and disease prevention; health problems and procedures for treatment in coordination with health and social service agencies.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws and regulations governing school health and nursing practices.
• Ability to assess school community, individual and family and target the population's health care needs; to identify abnormal growth and development and symptoms of disease; to provide nursing services independently within a framework of guidelines and protocols in schools and school clinics; to communicate effectively orally and in writing; to operate a personal computer and related software and other standard office equipment; to interact with a variety of people from different cultures and backgrounds and of varying ages; to manage time efficiently and meet deadlines; to develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.

Budgetary Responsibility

N/A

Report Preparation

As required.

Equipment Operation

Proficient in the use of basic medical equipment (e.g. feeding pumps, suction equipment, etc.), computers and office equipment and presentation technology.

Physical Demands

• Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Exhibit manual dexterity to use a telephone, to enter data into a computer terminal.
• To see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids.
• To hear, understand speech and speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly at normal levels indoors and on the telephone.
• To move freely throughout the school facilities.
• To lift objects up to 40 pounds and move students weighing up to 150 pounds with assistive equipment may be necessary.
• To move students by wheelchair and other mechanical devices may be necessary.

Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a public school setting.
• The employee regularly works with medical substances, supplies, and equipment.
• The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate.
• Exposure to potentially infectious diseases and bloodborne pathogens is possible.

Additional Job Requirements

• Nursing diploma from an approved nursing program, or an associate's degree in nursing; bachelor's degree in nursing preferred.
• Two years of experience working as a Registered Nurse.
• Current, documented proficiency in the care of patients with chronic illnesses and the use of basic medical equipment.
• A valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• CPR/AED Certification (Healthcare Provider adult and child level).
• Some travel is required.