Senior Community Health Nurse

Senior Community Health Nurse

This Department of Health (DOH) School Nurse position is for a Department of Health School Nurse in Alachua County and is directly supervised by the DOH
- Alachua School Health Supervisor in coordination with the Alachua County Public School Health Services Supervisor and Principal of the school assigned. The nurse shall be responsible and accountable for making decisions that are based upon the individual's educational preparation, scope of practice and experience in nursing. This position will provide professional nursing services by coordinating and providing clinical services/activities in the school clinic.

They will direct the work of the school health technician or LPN if one is assigned to clinic. This nursing position functions under approved School Board and DOH policies, protocols, and procedures. It is the nurse's responsibility to supervise the school clinic establishing safe clinic procedures ensuring compliance with policies, protocols, and other instructions provided by the supervisor or contained in department manuals.

Prepares and maintains the school clinic area for use assuring safety, orderliness, and cleanliness. Performs basic health assessment/evaluation of students who present on campus with health care needs including administration of medication(s)/treatment(s) and monitoring any adverse reactions within state law and board policies. Reports medical errors as appropriate for each department. Provides nursing assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, management, and referral activities for students with acute/chronic health problems including initiating emergency procedures as indicated in emergent situations.

Provides health education supporting the promotion of wellness, maintenance of health, and prevention of illness. Uses the current approved intervention/protocol(s) to provide care based on policies, protocols, procedures, and practitioner (physician) order(s). Performs basic health assessment/evaluation and medical assistance to staff and visitors who present on campus with health care needs including initiating emergency procedures as indicated in emergent situations.

Identifies and reports any communicable disease or other conditions affecting school population to supervisor and appropriate agencies. Nurse will contact and collaborate with supervising RN as needed for patient care. Documents all services provided to students in appropriate district provided format using acceptable nursing terminology on the appropriate School Board of Alachua County (SBAC) form(s) and/or computer program. Responsible for securing the designated information sets for the purposes of protecting confidentiality, data integrity, and appropriate access, for all information, both confidential and public record, which is stored in hard copy or electronic format.

Provides consultation and training with school health staff, school employees, and other agencies regarding student's needs as appropriate. Also attends IEP's, 504, student services meetings as required, giving appropriate input on health needs of students. Is knowledgeable of public health nursing as it applies to the public-school system, and also the state rules, statutes and regulations. Nurse is to make prompt appropriate referrals relating to physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.

Assumes responsibility for appropriate identification of developmental disparities, high risk health patterns, behaviors and/or concerns providing nursing care including proper referrals and resources for students and families. Serves as a health liaison between home and school. Counsel students and parents concerning health conditions/problems as needed. Assist parent/guardians on how to acquire health insurance, free or low-cost care to assist in health care needs and referrals.

Monitors student health records, conditions, physicals, and immunizations to assure that all students have met and are maintaining state and local school health requirements. Performs record reviews for chronic illnesses, health conditions and other health-related documentation. Ensures school staff are notified promptly, and students are flagged in computer-based program appropriately. Develop, document, and implement Emergency Care Plans (ECPs) and Individualized Health Care Plans (IHPs) per SBAC policy and procedure for students with both acute and chronic health problems as needed.

Is responsible for the collection and maintenance of statistical data appropriate to support the objectives set forth in the School Health Plan and the completion of the School Health Report. Supports, coordinates, and facilitates health screenings of students per state mandated grades and/or guidance referral. Documents and refers failures with timely follow-up. In the case of specialty clinics, such as Flu Mist, nurse will facilitate, organize, document and report data as required.

Exhibits interpersonal skills to work as an effective team member. Ability to…