Substitute School Nurse

Responsibilities

• Assesses situations involving students' safety and other health related issues (physical, sexual, or drug abuse, etc.) for the purpose of identifying problems, referring for proper treatment, and complying with legal requirements.
• Audits student immunizations (Varicella, Polio, Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus, etc.) for the purpose of meeting the requirements of state audits and for the protection of all district students and personnel.
• Collaborates with various groups (parents, students, health care providers, Special Education Department, teachers, and/or public agencies, etc.) for the purpose of promoting and/or securing student health services, providing data and information.
• Conducts age appropriate programs and/or activities in conjunction with classroom curriculum (health education, nutritional workshops, etc.) for the purpose of supporting established lesson plans or department improvement initiatives.
• Develops individual student care plans with input from parents and physicians (special needs children, chronically ill children, etc.) for the purpose of identifying medical interventions needed at school and educating school staff in how to work with such students in the classroom.
• Maintains student's confidential files and records (health care plans, agency referrals, accident reports, etc.) for the purpose of providing information required by legal requirements and professional standards.
• Maintains contact with parents/guardians (injuries, development of symptoms, etc.) for the purpose of advising them of changes in student health and/or recommending further medical and/or emotional intervention.
• Monitors students with chronic illnesses (diabetes, COPD, etc.) for the purpose of assisting the child in achieving the highest possible functional level.
• Makes sure students referred for illness and/or injury receive immediate health care concerns and initiate follow-up care.
• Makes sure students with chronic health problems (respiratory illness, depression, dental pain, etc.) have their attendance monitored for the purpose of identifying excessive absenteeism and developing a plan for improvement.
• Oversees medication administration by unlicensed personnel in schools for the purpose of insuring safe and accurate administration of medication as ordered by physicians.
• Participates in a variety of meetings, workshops, seminars, and interdisciplinary teams for the purpose of gathering, conveying, and/or sharing information on students' health needs, service delivery, and educational programs.
• Participates as a member of crisis intervention teams as needed (death, tragedy, etc.) for the purpose of counseling students and/or staff in an event of serious consequences.
• Performs mandated screenings (vision, dental, hearing, height/weight/BMI, and/or back/scoliosis screenings, etc.) for the purpose of referring medical conditions and/or providing appropriate care for ill, medically fragile and/or injured children.
• Performs first aid, medication and specialized medical treatments (oral suctioning, catheterization, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care for ill, medically fragile and/or injured children.
• Presents a wide variety of written materials (quantity reports, student services, statistical information, correspondence, internal audits, core plans, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Provides training on a variety of health related subjects to students, teachers, and parents (diabetes, asthma, CPR, etc.) for the purpose of promoting a healthy lifestyle and/or acting as a resource to students, teachers, and other school personnel.
• Refers students requiring additional medical attention for the purpose of providing required follow-up treatment and services.
• Reports health and safety issues to Director of School Nurses and appropriate agencies (fights, suspected child or substance abuse, contagious diseases, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining students' personal safety, a positive learning environment, and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.
• Researches a variety of topics relating to health and medical care (wellness, nutrition, treatment protocols, childhood diseases, etc.) for the purpose of providing information to staff, students, parents, and the public.
• Responds to emergency medical situations (severe falls, prescription reactions, bleeding, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring appropriate immediate medical attention and related follow-up action.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Nursing
• Certification/License: Valid Georgia RN license, CPR certification, Criminal Justice Fingerprint Background Clearance