School Nurse

JOB DESCRIPTION:  

The Nurse is responsible for the health and well-being of the Sargent students and will participate in the evaluation and/or treatment services as established in agency policy and procedure which assure conformance with the function and responsibility of the prescribing or referring physician. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

Current license/certification: 
The Nurse shall possess at a minimum current Rhode Island RN license and may also be certified as a school nurse.  The nurse must be licensed to practice in the State of RI and should possess training and/or a minimum of one year of experience in a school or nurse setting. The RN must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this center which include a medical and physical exam upon hire.  This person shall have access to medical records for use related to treatment. Must demonstrate understanding and implementation of student/individual confidentiality, privacy, and health care information rights. Must be able to transfer students who require physical assistance and assist in the evacuation of clients during emergency situations.  
 
RESPONSIBILITIES:

•Evaluate students’ needs by conducting a nursing assessment as needed per agency policy.  
•Develop, implement, evaluate and make modifications in the individual health care 
            plan/emergency care plan and prepare required records and reports at least annually.  
•Provide treatments to students including administration of prescribed medications (including epinephrine), injections, enteral 
            feedings, suctioning, change of dressings, monitor vital signs, instruct the student and the family, and provide   
            other vital health services as prescribed by the physician.  
•Administer epinephrine auto-injector, per physician standing order, to students
            who have not been previously identified for prevention and treatment of anaphylaxis.
•Assist and consult with the student’s physician and staff regarding the medical needs of students. 
•Assess the student’s condition and report significant changes to the student’s physician 
            and other team members.
•Administer first aid and any other emergency health services to students when 
            necessary.
•Obtain and maintain current physician orders and parent/student authorization to
            administer medications.
•Work with PCP and family to determine which student is appropriate to self-administer
            medications during off-campus events. Obtain appropriate orders and 
            authorizations and develop ECP/IHCP as appropriate.
•Obtain/maintain medication, parent authorization, physician orders, and tracking of 
             medications. 
•Schedule and/or perform vision screenings to students as required, and provide results of screenings conducted by Sargent 
             Center to parents. 
•Monitor and assure documentation regarding the compliance of students obtaining health
            exams, lead screenings, and dental as required by law and obtain results of all    
            screening performed by PCP on the appropriate form. 
•Obtain and complete information as required for the school health section of the 
            medical record (including immunizations, screening results, etc).
•Obtain appropriate documentation and maintain a list of individuals exempt from 
            immunization.
•Participate in an interdisciplinary team and other meetings as assigned.
•Report any known or suspected case of child abuse or neglect to the Department of 
            Children, Youth, and Families as required by law.
•Assist in the evacuation of clients during emergency situations.  
•Develop, implement, and administer a comprehensive school health program for 
            grades PreK-12 on an ongoing basis.
•Maintain client/patient confidentiality in accordance with Federal Law, RI law and the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA), and Center policy and directives. 

ADMINISTRATIVE

A.Inform staff where AED devices are located and inform staff about symptoms to look for with regard to seizure activity, blood sugar, and asthma symptoms. and/or secure training for staff.
    B. Provide a program of instruction for staff regarding communicable diseases and report 
     An outbreak of communicable, environmental, or occupational disease (as assigned) to       
     the Department of Health per regulatory requirement.
    C. Identify and follow agency policies and procedures regarding safety and infection 
     control.  
    D. Participate as a member of the Crisis Response Team as assigned. 
    E. Assist in the provision of nurse services as needed for school-based field trips and off  
     campus activities
    F. Manage policy for the implementation of school immunization for 
     communicable disease for applicable students and maintain appropriate 
     state records/forms in the student’s medical record as well as a reporting mechanism   
     required to the RI Department of Health.
    G.  Assume general responsibility and specific assignments as designated by the 
    Center’s President.

ACCOUNTABILITY

•Ability to demonstrate sound decision-making capabilities consistent with established school policies and procedures.
•Ability to follow instructions provided by school administrators and assigned staff.
• Ability to demonstrate familiarity with state and district established rules and regulations governing the education of students including students with disabilities.
•Ability to lift, transfer, feed, and toilet students, when necessary.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
•Mobility and agility are required.
•Keep all appropriate certification requirements current.     
•Demonstrate ability to work with administration and staff in a collegial and collaborative manner.
•Demonstrate the ability to follow directives of supervisors and Center management.
 
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Year-round employment.  Reports to Executive Vice President, Director of Educational Programming/Principal or Principal’s Designee.