School Nurse

School Nurse

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.

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.

Responsibilities include program management, direct nursing services, health education, community health planning, professional practice and compliance with Massachusetts state laws and regulations. The school nurse collaborates with families, other school professionals, as well as community health and social services providers and agencies to maximize the educational potential of students.

Qualifications:

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.

Essential Functions:

Conducting periodic examinations and screening procedures (vision, hearing, etc) to determine health status of students, making appropriate physician referrals and following up on health concerns. Counseling with students and parents to interpret health problems, to assist parents in utilization of professional resources for diagnosis and treatment, to interpret professional recommendations. Creating and updating individual health care plans and emergency action plans as needed.

Supporting new student registration by reviewing medical documentation for immunization compliance and health concerns. Administering medications as prescribed and maintaining accurate medication records. Providing first aid and emergency care for students and school personnel. Monitoring and managing student health records and maintaining confidentiality. Serving as a liaison between families, healthcare providers, and the school administration regarding student health matters. Complying and educating staff, students and families regarding school health policies, including but not limited to the management of life-threatening allergies, field trips, emergency procedures, etc.

Collaborating with school administrators and school personnel to address health-related concerns and emergencies. Conferring with teachers and other school personnel to share and interpret student health problems and to develop plans for accommodations of the school program. Providing health education and promoting wellness within the school community. Completing medical clearance for students who are participating in athletics. Assisting 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. Maintaining records and reports for appraising and planning school health program. Completing monthly and yearly reports as required by the Department of Public Health. Evaluating outcomes of school health service programs. Responsibilities and requirements under Chapter 766 of the acts 1973.

M.G.L. c. 71B:
Children with Special Needs. Maintaining a clean and organized health office. Attending professional development opportunities to stay current with health regulations and best practices. Floating between schools within the district as needed to provide healthcare support and services to students. Working Extended School Year Program (ESY) as needed. Performing all other job-related duties and responsibilities as determined by the Director of Health Services.