School Nurse

WEYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Job Description
Title: School Nurse

The school nurse is an integral part of the professional team, acting as an advocate for
students to help them develop to their full potential. This registered nurse seeks to prevent and identify student health or health related problems, and intervenes to modify or remedy the problem. The school nurse oversees the comprehensive school health program, which includes delivery of health care and health education of students, staff, and families. The nurse works within the scope of the Nurse Practice Act according to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

Scope of Responsibilities:

The school nurse is responsible for developing; implementing and managing a school
health program for a school population as defined by the school district. Responsibilities include program management, nursing services, collaboration, health education, community health planning and professional practice.

Reports to:

The school nurse reports to the Coordinator of School Nursing Services and to the
administrator of the school building. The school physician is available for consultation.

Qualifications:
? Must have a valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts;
? Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a college or university program in nursing
accredited by the National League for Nursing recommended. Baccalaureate
degree in a related field may be acceptable if all other requirements are met;
? Minimum of two years of nursing experience in school nursing, community health
or child health prior to entry into school nursing practice;
? School nurse licensure from the Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education;
? Work towards (and subsequently maintain) certification in school nursing by a
nationally recognized professional nursing organization or obtain a Master's
degree within 5 years of employment.
? Basic computer knowledge including WORD, EXCEL and electronic medical
record systems.
? Completion of an orientation program based on the requirements for delivery of
school health services as defined by the Department of Public Health.
? Maintain BLS Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
? Within one year of employment, obtain and maintain certification as an instructor
in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid from a recognized provider
i.e. American Health.

Program Management:

Establishes and manages a comprehensive school health program consistent with the
Massachusetts guidelines, regulations and statutes governing nursing and school health and local school district policy.

? Maintains comprehensive school health records
? Promotes and implements state-mandated programs such as immunization surveillance and screening programs
? Carries out communicable disease prevention and infection control based on current guidelines for standard/universal precautions, prevention of bloodborne pathogens exposure and hazardous medical waste disposal
? Consults with the nursing coordinator, school physician and school administrators and others to establish, review and revise policies, procedures and specific programs for comprehensive school health education and services
? Prepares regular written reports for school officials, DPH and/or other agencies as
needed
? Interprets school health service needs based on data collected and adapt nursing
services as necessary.
? Collaborates with school administrators and personnel in assessing and improving the social and emotional climate of students and faculty; involves them in maintaining a healthful school environment
? Promotes positive safety practices both within and outside of school buildings and ensures that the school has a medical emergency plan which is communicated to personnel and students

Nursing Services:

Using the nursing process, collaborate with the parent/guardian and student, when
appropriate, to develop and implement an individualized health care plan for the student.

? Collects information about the health and developmental status of the student, his/her family and significant others, in a systematic and continuous manner including health and social histories, screening results, physical assessment, emotional status, performance level and health goals, makes home visits as needed
? Provides emergent and non-emergent care to students and staff; provides everyday care for children with chronic health conditions; manages children with communicable disease
? Administers medication (based on state regulations) and medically prescribed treatments and provides care to ill children on a daily basis
? Responds to frequently encountered health issues; provide health counseling and crisis intervention as needed, (e.g. adolescent pregnancy, substance abuse, death of a family member, suicide), and responds to child neglect or abuse concerns (as required by Massachusetts statute)
? Assesses student response to nursing interventions and revises the database, nursing diagnoses and nursing care plan, as needed. Evaluates the progress made toward goal achievement, and documents this information in student records or confidential nursing notes

Collaboration:

Collaborates with other school professionals, team members and community providers in
assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating school health programs and activities.

Health Education:

Assists students, families and parent groups to achieve optimal levels of wellness through formal and informal health education and promotion.

Community Health Planning:

Participates with other members of the community to assess, plan, implement and
evaluate school health services and community services which includes the broad continuum of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.

Professional Practice:

Applies nursing theory for decision-making in the school setting and expands knowledge
and skills in response to student health needs.

? Demonstrates current knowledge in such areas as
a. professional issues in school health
b. school and community health
c. communicable disease control
d. growth and development
e. health assessment
f. special health conditions, both chronic and acute
g. injury prevention and emergency care
h. health counseling, health education and promotion
i. current adolescent issues and childhood trends/problems
j. special education laws and section 504
? Assumes responsibility for continuing own education and professional development; obtains expert consultation, supervision and peer review as needed
? Collaborates with local schools of nursing to provide student practice in community health, as well as to obtain nursing education resources

Terms of Employment: Ten-month school year. Salary in accordance with established salary
schedule for Weymouth School Nurses.