Substitute Nurse

About the Role

The Substitute Nurse provides temporary nursing services in the absence of the regularly assigned school nurse. The substitute promotes the health, safety, and well-being of students and staff by providing skilled nursing care, managing health concerns, responding to emergencies, and maintaining a safe learning environment. This position is on an "as-needed" basis.

Responsibilities

• Student Health Care
  • Assess and provide nursing care for student illness and injury.
  • Administer prescription and over-the-counter medications according to physician orders and district policy.
  • Perform nursing procedures within the scope of licensure and as authorized by physician orders and district policy.
  • Monitor students with chronic health conditions.
  • Provide first aid and emergency care.
  • Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation of all health office encounters.
• Emergency Response
  • Respond promptly and effectively to medical emergencies throughout the school.
  • Activate Emergency Medical Services (EMS) when appropriate.
  • Implement emergency care plans for students experiencing asthma, seizures, diabetes-related emergencies, allergic reactions, cardiac events, traumatic injuries, and other medical emergencies.
  • Assist with emergency preparedness activities and follow district emergency response procedures during drills and actual emergencies.
  • Support a safe learning environment through implementation of individualized healthcare plans (IHPs), emergency action plans (EAPs), trauma response protocols, and district health and safety procedures.
• Medication Management
  • Safely administer medications in accordance with physician orders and district policy.
  • Maintain secure storage and accountability of medications.
  • Complete accurate medication administration documentation.
• Health Records
  • Maintain student health records in accordance with FERPA, HIPAA (as applicable), district policies, and nursing standards.
  • Review Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHPs), Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), medication authorizations, and physician orders.
  • Update documentation throughout the school day as needed.
• Collaboration
  • Communicate professionally with students, families, teachers, administrators, and healthcare providers regarding student health concerns.
  • Collaborate with school staff to support student health, attendance, and academic success.
  • Refer students for additional medical evaluation when appropriate.
• Health and Safety
  • Follow district infection prevention and communicable disease procedures.
  • Assist with health screenings and wellness initiatives as assigned.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe health office.
  • Promote a healthy and safe school environment through proactive nursing practices and health education.
• Professional Expectations
  • Report to the assigned school and be prepared to assume nursing responsibilities promptly.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, compassion, and sound clinical judgment.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of student and staff information.
  • Follow all district policies, procedures, the Missouri Nurse Practice Act, and applicable state and federal regulations.
  • Complete all required documentation before the conclusion of the workday.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Lead School Nurse or school administration.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications
  • Current unrestricted Missouri nursing license as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN).
  • Graduate of an accredited practical nursing or registered nursing program (LPN, ADN, Diploma, or BSN).
  • Current CPR/BLS certification.
  • Successful completion of all required background checks.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in school nursing, pediatrics, emergency nursing, public health, or community health.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, critical-thinking, and interpersonal skills.

Skills

• Knowledge of pediatric nursing principles and evidence-based nursing practice.
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to medical emergencies.
• Working knowledge of confidentiality requirements, including FERPA, HIPAA (as applicable), and district policies.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with school staff.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer skills and ability to utilize electronic health records and district software.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and respond quickly during emergencies.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with assistance when necessary.
• Ability to perform CPR and other emergency interventions.

Work Environment

• School health office and various locations throughout the school building.
• Frequent interaction with students, staff, parents/guardians, healthcare providers, and emergency responders.
• Exposure to communicable illnesses and bodily fluids while following appropriate infection prevention procedures.

Pay

$30.00/hr for an RN and $25.00/hr for an LPN.