School Nurse

DEDHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

POSITION:
School Nurse

JOB GOAL:
To manage a health services program for the Dedham Public Schools which fosters the development of a sound mind in a healthy body of every student, providing them an optimal opportunity for academic success and life-long achievement. .

QUALIFICATIONS:

* Valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts

* A bachelor's or master's degree of nursing

* Experience as a Registered Nurse in a child health, community health, or other relevant clinical nursing setting. Prior experience as a pediatric nurse and/or school nurse preferred

* Current, or ability to obtain licensure as a School Nurse (all levels), by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

* Current CPR certification

* Bi- or multi-lingual (specifically Spanish), preferred

REPORTS TO:

Director of Health Services and Building Principal

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Provide first aid, emergency, primary care and nursing procedures for injuries, illnesses and mental health needs for the school population.

* Assess and evaluate students' health status

* Administer and/or supervise the administration of medication to students according to district protocols and state regulations, including delegation as appropriate.

* Organize and implement annual mandated screenings (vision, hearing, height/weight, postural and SBIRT), according to grade level, as required by MA DPH; carry out appropriate referrals and follow-up.

* Participate in student support and special education meetings, providing medical input or consultation as needed.

* Collaborate with interdisciplinary school and district staff, including (but not limited to) RNs, LPNs (where assigned), counselors, school psychologists, administration, teachers, interpreters, administrative assistants, food service and custodians.

* Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation through an electronic health record.

* Counsel and/or educate students concerning medical issues.

* Monitor and follow up on compliance with state immunization and physical exam requirements, and complete required annual reports.

* Maintain appropriate confidentiality with respect to student and staff medical and personal information in accordance to FERPA regulations; share information with appropriate school personnel as needed to maintain student safety.

* Develop and implement individual health care plans and emergency action plans for medically complex students (including field trips).

* Identify health causes for absenteeism and contribute to school plans to decrease absenteeism wherever possible.

* Serve as liaison between the home, medical community, and the school regarding student health concerns.

* Monitor the school environment and recommend changes to promote health and safety.

* Observe all health regulations, policies, protocols and procedures of the district, DPH and DESE.

* Attend professional development and departmental meetings

* Review and evaluate own job performance and develop appropriate goals and objectives.

* Conduct formal and informal staff training on school-wide and student-specific health issues, as appropriate.

* Work with community agencies, physicians and other health care providers as necessary.

* Communicate and collaborate with families regarding the health status and needs of their children.

* Participate in the identification of, and assist in, the removal of health-related barriers to learning in individual students

* Serve as a member of pertinent committees and teams supporting the school community.

* Other duties as assigned by the Director of Health Services.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT & SALARY :

* This position is covered by the Unit A Collective Bargaining Agreement between the DEA Dedham Education Association and the Dedham School Committee.