Head Start- Nurse

City of Chattanooga•Chattanooga, TN

10d•$28•Onsite

About The Position

The Head Start Nurse assists in planning and providing medical and dental services for children at designated Head Start centers. Responsibilities include coordinating screenings and referrals, following up on identified medical and dental concerns, and documenting services to help meet Federal Performance Standards for Head Start and Early Head Start. In coordination with Family Support Advocates, the Nurse maintains a comprehensive, confidential record-keeping system of health information and services. The position is in the Early Learning Department at the Head Start Administrative Office in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., for 240 days per year and 7.5 hours per day; schedules may vary based on assignments and projects. The role may include occasional evening parent meetings and driving to various sites. The program is grant-funded and subject to reapplication every five years. The Nurse must work within the professional scope of practice for an LPN and support the Head Start/Early Head Start health component.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited LPN program is required.
Current LPN or RN licensure/registration in Tennessee or a Compact State License in the state of residence; licensure must be maintained throughout employment. The minimum active license required throughout employment is LPN/LVN in good standing.
Licensure as an LPN or RN is required for hire and must be maintained throughout employment.
Knowledge of child and family health, prevention concepts, diseases and disease processes, Head Start Performance Standards, health and human development, community health, and nursing principles, practices, and procedures.
Knowledge of HIPAA/FERPA requirements as they relate to student records.
Intermediate knowledge of computer applications and word-processing software in a Windows environment, with the ability to learn other computer technology and software.
Ability to recognize health and/or child safety problems; exercise professional judgment; and maintain strict confidentiality.
Ability to relate well and maintain effective working relationships with staff, children, parents, and other agencies, and to work effectively in a team environment.
Ability to work with databases and spreadsheets; follow oral and written directions; write correspondence independently; make routine decisions; communicate effectively; maintain cooperative working relationships; and be flexible and receptive to change.
Ability to work creatively and skillfully with children.
Ability to sit for extended periods, use a computer terminal, standard office equipment, and a telephone; hear and understand speech and speak clearly at normal levels, including by telephone.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach overhead, grasp, push, pull, and lift and/or carry up to 20 pounds to waist height.
Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects, and to support child health and safety, including direct supervision or responding to emergencies at a Head Start center.
Complete required pre-employment screenings, including background check, drug screening, lift test, TB screening/questionnaire and/or skin test, physical examination, Hepatitis B titer, and fingerprinting; meet ongoing physical reexamination and fingerprint clearance requirements.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from an accredited RN program is preferred.
Equivalent combinations of experience and education may be considered.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with Family Support Advocates to ensure children complete physical and dental exams within 90 days of enrollment.
Work with Health Technicians to facilitate vision, hearing, and growth screenings within 45 days of enrollment, in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards.
Develop and maintain Individual Health Plans for children with chronic medical conditions, in collaboration with parents and healthcare providers, and train staff on implementation.
Monitor classroom first-aid kits for completeness and ensure medications are stored correctly and documented in ChildPlus.
Obtain and review children's medical histories and immunization records to ensure they are up to date.
Maintain comprehensive, strictly confidential health records for enrolled children.
Use ChildPlus to monitor health requirements, track follow-ups, and generate required reports.
Communicate with parents about children's health status and provide education and follow-up information after screenings.
Provide referral assistance and help families connect with community health resources.
Assist families with scheduling necessary medical and dental appointments.
Occasionally provide health-related training and support during evening parent meetings.
Provide technical support and assistance to the Health Coordinator for parent meetings, the Head Start Policy Council, and advisory committees.
Perform duties within the professional scope of practice for a Licensed Practical Nurse to support the Head Start/Early Head Start Health component.
Drive to various sites as needed to transport supplies or perform health-related services.
Meet regular attendance requirements and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with staff, coworkers, managers, and citizens.
Perform essential functions in a timely manner, with or without reasonable accommodations, and perform other duties as assigned.