School Nurse

SCHOOL NURSE

Serves as the primary advocate for the health and well being of students and staff within the school. Responsibilities include health screenings and services, emergency first aid, the care of those who are ill and injured while in the school, maintenance of health records, and instruction in sound health practices.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The School Nurse shall:

• Hold 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.
• Hold a license as a registered professional nurse (RN) in New Jersey.
• Hold and maintain a current CPR certification and Professional Rescuer Certification.
• Hold and maintain a valid driver's license with no serious violations (if applicable to 10 – MONTHS assignment).
• Show evidence of successful school nurse experience preferred including teaching of health related topics or related experience.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of child growth and development, wellness education, community health and social service resources, and current health issues.
• Have excellent integrity and demonstrate good moral character and initiative.
• Exhibit a personality that demonstrates enthusiasm and the interpersonal skills to relate well with students, staff, administration, parents, the community, and health and social service agencies.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, using proper grammar and vocabulary.
• Demonstrate the ability to use technology for data management information retrieval, visual and audio presentations, and telecommunications.
• Provide proof of U. S. citizenship or legal resident alien status by completing Federal Form I-9 in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
• Provide evidence that a criminal record history check has been conducted and clearance has been given by the Department of Education, or, during the initial six month period provide a sworn statement that the individual has not been convicted of a crime or a disorderly persons offense in accordance with 18A:6-7.1.
• Provide evidence that health is adequate to fulfill the job functions and responsibilities with reasonable accommodation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 12101 and in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6:3-4A.4.
• Pass the State required Mantoux Intradermal Tuberculin Test as required by N.J.A.C. 6:3-4A.4.
• Meet such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable.

Verification of competency includes:

• District application and resume.
• Required documentation outlined in the qualifications above.
• A minimum of three letters of reference from former employers, teachers, professors or other professional sources, or copies of recent evaluations of teaching performance and/or performance as a School Nurse.
• Original College Transcripts.
• Employment interview.
• Employment assessments as may be deemed appropriate for the position.

Job functions and responsibilities include:

• Works in concert with the school administration, Supervisor of Special Education, School Physician and reports and carries out medical orders that may be issued.
• Plans and conducts 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.
• Makes 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).
• Maintains and ensures the confidentiality of a complete up-to-date student health record.
• Completes and submits in a timely fashion all medical forms and reports, including accident reports, as required by statute, regulation, policy, or as requested.
• Fulfills 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. Provides instruction to all teachers on methods to detect the first signs of communicable disease (N.J.S.A. 18A:40-3).
• Administers medication to students in accordance with law, Policy, and Regulation 5330.
• Follows protocols that provide for crisis intervention for acute illness, injury and emotional disturbances.
• Provides emergency care arising from accident and illness at school in accordance with Policy and Regulations 5330 and 8441.
• Makes arrangements for treatment at hospitals or clinics in an emergency or when requested by the school principal.
• Understands and follows established procedures for sanitation and hygiene in the handling of body fluids (N.J.A.C. 6:29-2.5). Ensures that all staff understands and follows established procedures.
• Addresses staff annually regarding universal precautions.
• Follows acceptable and established procedures for the disposal of medical waste.
• Selects, arranges for purchase, and stores appropriate medical supplies and equipment necessary to operate a school health office and recommend a budget to support the health services program.
• Assumes a leadership role in identifying students with health problems that may interfere with effective learning. Advises 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.
• Works with community health agencies and resources to provide a comprehensive and coordinated health services program for the school and its students.
• Participates 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.
• Consults 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.
• Plans and implements school health management protocols for the child with chronic health problems.
• Notifies 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.
• Counsels students, staff, and parents concerning health issues, care, treatment, and other community health issues.
• Serves as a resource to the instructional staff in developing curriculum, modifying instruction and selecting the materials used to implement a comprehensive health education program.
• Teaches students, upon request of classroom teacher or Building Administrator selected health topics including but not limited to:
• Health promotion and disease prevention concepts and health-enhancing behaviors.
• Health-enhancing personal, interpersonal, and life skills.
• Effects of the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
• Biological, social, cultural, and psychological aspects of human sexuality and family life.
• Health-related fitness concepts.
• Career planning and workplace readiness skills.
• Critical thinking, decision-making, and problem solving skills.
• Self-management skills.
• Safety principles.
• Serves as a resource to classroom teachers on comprehensive health related instruction so that all students demonstrate competency in the Core Curriculum Content Standards.
• Understands and communicates current developments in the health field through reading of professional journals, participation in professional development, and involvement in professional organizations.
• Completes the required 20 clock hours of State-approved continuing professional development annually in accordance with State and district procedures, as specified in the Professional Improvement Plan (N.J.A.C. 6:11-13); as well as, attendance compliance to mandated district professional development days and sessions.
• Recommends policies and procedures that promote a healthy school environment and a clean, safe facility. Identifies and communicates to the principal any unsafe practices or conditions.
• Attends required staff meetings and serve, as appropriate, on staff committees