School Nurse

Starting Date: Immediately

Title:

School Nurse

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Work year and hours:
Subject to collective bargaining agreement

Reports to:

Director of Health Services

To provide assessment, screening, planning, evaluation, counseling, management and/or referrals concerning the health and medical care needs of students for the purpose of minimizing absences due to illness, maximizing educational opportunities, and creating a healthy school climate.

School Nursing is a specialized practice of professional nursing that advances the well being, academic success and lifelong achievement of students. To that end, school nurses facilitate positive student responses to normal development; promote health and safety; intervene with actual and potential health problems; provide case management services; and actively collaborate with others to build student and family capacity for adaptation, self management, self advocacy and learning.

(NASN, 1999). School nurses ensure students are healthy, safe, and ready to learn. They provide direct care, manage chronic conditions, promote mental health, and coordinate with families and community resources to break down barriers to healthcare access.

• Valid and current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts.
• Minimum: BSN from an NLN accredited college or university program.
• Master's Degree in Nursing or a related field is preferred.
• Maintain DESE Licensure for MA School Nurses. If not licensed at the time of hire, school nurses must obtain DESE licensure within one year of hire for continued employment.
• Must complete Master's Degree or obtain National School Nurse Certification within 5 years for continued employment.
• Completed Foundations of School Nursing Practice and Medication Administration in a School Setting:
  School Nursing Practice in Massachusetts, provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
• Completed a First Aid Course.
• Maintain certification in CPR/AED from a recognized provider.

• Conduct periodic examinations and screening procedures (vision, hearing, etc.) to determine students’ health status, making appropriate physician referrals and following up on health concerns.
• Provide counseling with students and parents to interpret health problems and assist parents in utilizing professional resources for diagnosis and treatment.
• Create and update individual health care plans and emergency action plans as needed.
• Support new student registration by reviewing medical documentation for immunization compliance and health concerns.
• Administer medications as prescribed and maintain accurate medication records.
• Provide first aid and emergency care for students and school personnel.
• Monitor and manage student health records and maintain confidentiality.
• Serve as a liaison between families, health care providers, and the school administration regarding student health matters.
• Comply with and educate staff, students and families regarding school health policies, including management of life‑threatening allergies, field trips, emergency procedures, etc.
• Collaborate with school administrators and personnel to address health‑related concerns and emergencies.
• Conferring with teachers and other personnel to share and interpret student health problems and to develop plans for accommodations of the school program.
• Provide health education and promote wellness within the school community.
• Complete medical clearance for students participating in athletics.
• Assist in planning and maintaining a safe and healthful school environment, including the establishment and implementation of emergency care procedures and immunization compliance.
• Conferring with representatives of community agencies (Board of Health, Medford Family Network, etc.) in matters pertaining to family and community health.
• Maintain records and reports for appraising and planning the school health program.
• Complete monthly and yearly reports as required by the Department of Public Health.
• Evaluate outcomes of school health service programs.
• Maintain a clean and organized health office.
• Attend professional development opportunities to stay…