School Nurse

School Nurse

Weymouth Public Schools is a dynamic and inclusive learning community dedicated to "Educational Excellence for Every Weymouth Student." Our vision is centered on empowering each individual to reach their full potential in a diverse, equitable, and supportive environment. We educate over 5,600 students in 11 school buildings, including Weymouth Early Childhood Center, eight elementary schools (grades K-5), Chapman Middle School (grades 6-8), and Weymouth High School (Grades 9-12).

At each of our schools, we are committed to fostering curiosity, celebrating diversity, and nurturing a lifelong passion for learning. Our highly qualified educators and staff members work to provide personalized attention and support to ensure that every student thrives.

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.

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.

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 medica 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.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 blood borne 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…