Substitute School Nurse

Position Summary

Serves as the primary advocate for the health and well being of students and staff within the school.

Responsibilities

• Health screenings and services
• Emergency first aid
• The care of those who are ill and injured while in the school
• Maintenance of health records
• Instruction in sound health practices

Qualifications

• Holds a valid New Jersey educational services certificate in accordance with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:27.1 et seq., and N.J.A.C. Title 6 Chapter 11 with a school nurse endorsement (N.J.A.C. 6:11-11.7) and other appropriate endorsement(s) in accordance with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 6:11-10.1 et seq.
• Holds and maintains a current CPR certification and Professional Rescuer Certification.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of child growth and development, wellness education, community health and social service resources, and current health issues.
• Demonstrates the ability to use electronic equipment for word processing, data management, information retrieval, visual and audio presentations, and telecommunications.

Essential Duties

• Work in concert with the school administration, School Medical Director/School Physician and other medical personnel who are appointed by the Board, completing appropriate records and reports and carrying out medical orders that may be issued.
• Plan and conduct the health screening, biennial nursing assessments, health appraisals, and health surveys (e.g., blood pressure, dental, vision, hearing, height, and weight, scoliosis, assisting with athletic physicals, etc.) as established by the Board.
• Make referrals as indicated, and informing parents and appropriate staff of the need for corrective care (N.J.S.A. 18A:40-4 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-2.2).
• Maintain and ensure the confidentiality of a complete up-to-date student health record. Such records include, but are not limited to immunization data, T.B. testing, screenings, referrals, follow-up required, and specific medical conditions.
• Complete and submit in a timely fashion all medical forms and reports, including accident reports, as required by statute, regulation, policy, or as requested.
• Fulfill State requirements and district policies for communicable disease control and the exclusion and readmission of pupils for reasons of health, reviewing all doctor and medical notes submitted to the school by students and parents.
• Provide instruction to all teachers on methods to detect the first signs of communicable disease (N.J.S.A. 18A:40-3).
• Administer medication to students in accordance with District law, Policy, and Regulation.
• Follow protocols that provide for crisis intervention for acute illness, injury and emotional disturbances.
• Provide emergency care arising from accident and illness at school in accordance with district Policy and Regulations. Make arrangements for treatment at hospitals or clinics in an emergency or when requested by the school principal.
• Understand and follow established procedures for sanitation and hygiene in the handling of body fluids (N.J.A.C. 6:29-2.5).
• Ensure that all staff understand and follow established procedures.
• Address staff annually regarding universal precautions.
• Follow acceptable and established procedures for the disposal of medical waste.
• Select, arrange for purchase, and store appropriate medical supplies and equipment necessary to operate a school health office.
• Recommend a budget to support the health services program.
• Assume a leadership role in identifying students with health problems that may interfere with effective learning.
• Advise the School Administrator, I & RS Team, and Child Study Team and instructional personnel when the need to make adjustments in the instructional program is required as a result of a health condition.
• Work with community health agencies and resources to provide a comprehensive and coordinated health services program for the school and its students.
• Participate as a health specialist on the Child Study Team and the Intervention and Referral Team in the identification and placement of students in need of special services.
• Consult with the Child Study Team, Attendance Officer, and other school personnel regarding the health of a child and the home situation, recognizing that the total family health and home status is important to the welfare of the child.
• Plan and implement school health management protocols for the child with chronic health problems.
• Notify immediately appropriate personnel of any evidence of substance abuse, child abuse, child neglect, severe medical conditions, potential suicide, or individuals appearing to be under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or anabolic steroids. Follow district policy for Crisis Intervention and DYFS reporting.
• Counsel students, staff, and parents concerning health issues, care, treatment, and other community health issues.
• Serve as a resource to the instructional staff in developing curriculum, modifying instruction and selecting the materials used to meet the State Core Curriculum Content Standards for a comprehensive health education program.
• Serve as a resource to classroom teachers on comprehensive health related instruction so that all students demonstrate competency in the Core Curriculum Content Standards.
• Understand and communicate current developments in the health field through reading of professional journals, participation in professional development, and involvement in professional organizations.
• Complete the required 100 clock hours of State-approved continuing professional development every five years in accordance with State and District procedures, as specified in the Professional Improvement Plan (N.J.A.C. 6:11-13).
• Recommend policies and procedures that promote a healthy school environment and a clean, safe facility.
• Identify and communicate to the principal any unsafe practices or conditions.
• Attend required staff meetings and serve, as appropriate, on staff committees.
• Maintain a safe and clean health office including the care and maintenance of all health office equipment needed to carry out job functions and responsibilities.
• Display the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with students parents, school personnel, and other agencies associated with the school.
• Protect confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.
• Adhere to New Jersey school law, State Board of Education rules and regulations, Board of Education policies and regulations, school regulations and procedures, and contractual obligations.

Evaluation of Performance

Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with the New Jersey Administrative Code and Board of Education Policy.

Additional Responsibilities

Performs such other tasks and assumes such other responsibilities as the Director may assign or delegate.