SUBSTITUTE NURSE

About the Role

The Substitute School Nurse is responsible for covering the nurses office when the full-time nurse is off-site. This is a Per Diem/hourly position reporting to the Principal.

Responsibilities

Nursing Services

• Collaborate with the parent/guardian and student to develop and implement an individualized health care plan for the student.
• Develop a nursing diagnosis and care plan with specific goals and interventions, coordinating with other providers and school personnel to improve health and educational status.
• Provide medically prescribed interventions, including medication administration (based on Massachusetts regulations), and daily care to ill children.
• Ensure safe dispensing of medication and create/oversee a medication delegation program.
• Respond to frequently encountered health issues; collaborate with school counselors and assist with crisis interventions (e.g., adolescent pregnancy, substance abuse, death of a family member, suicide).
• Address child neglect or abuse issues as required by Massachusetts statute.
• Provide first aid to injured children and staff, care for acutely ill children, and manage children with communicable diseases.

Collaboration

• Identify students at risk for physical and psychosocial problems; communicate health needs to school personnel and establish a referral system using internal and community resources.
• Participate as a team member in sharing information about children with special health care needs (with parental consent) and act as an advocate for students and families.
• Include students and parents in team conferences when appropriate.

Professional Practice

• Apply nursing theory as the basis for decision-making in the school setting and expand knowledge/skills in response to student health needs.
• Demonstrate current knowledge in areas such as:
  • Professional issues in school nursing
  • School and community health
  • Communicable disease control
  • Growth and development
  • Health assessment
  • Special health conditions (chronic and acute)
  • Injury prevention and emergency care
  • Health counseling, education, and promotion
  • Current adolescent issues

Requirements

• Valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Massachusetts.
• Certification in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, AED, and First Aid from a recognized provider (e.g., American Heart Association).
• Ability to handle unforeseen challenges and acute health-related situations in a dynamic organization.
• Team player with a sense of humor and dedication to working with a diverse, creative school community.