Registered School Nurse

CAPS Collaborative•Leominster, MA

About The Position

The Registered School Nurse manages the school health program in accordance with the guidelines, regulations, and statutes governing school health. The role supports student health and safety through assessment, screening, recordkeeping, follow-up, emergency care, health education, coordination with community health providers, and collaboration with students, families, school staff, and educational professionals. The nurse provides health-related support for students, including those with acute or chronic conditions and technology-dependent care needs. The position also contributes to staff development, IEP planning, health care plans, and ongoing professional collaboration, while maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Requirements

Hold a current Massachusetts nursing license.
Demonstrate professional conduct.
Cope with the mental, emotional, and physical stresses of the position.
Be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, emotionally upset, or injured students or staff.
Be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.
Be able to read, write, speak, and comprehend English.
Effectively work with staff, students, family members, visitors, governmental representatives, and the general public, demonstrating flexibility, tact, patience, and enthusiasm.
Be able to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant.
Be willing to seek out new methods and principles and incorporate them into existing practices.
Have excellent knowledge of nursing assessment and diagnosis, pediatric health issues, care of technology-dependent students, nursing principles and interventions, and quality assurance in nursing practice.
Have knowledge of child development, current health issues, age-appropriate health risks, mental health issues, chronic and acute health conditions, current health practices, legislative issues, laws associated with student educational placement, infection control, universal health precautions, and personal hygiene.
Have strong verbal and written communication skills for working with students, teachers, parents, staff, administrators, and health and educational professionals.

Responsibilities

Assess and evaluate student health, including appropriate screenings, immunization status, and review of physical and dental examination records.
Collect and maintain student health records in accordance with state law and school policy, using computer and paper files.
Follow up with students who fail screenings, have health problems, or are absent.
Visit program classrooms several times a day and as needed.
Coordinate health services with community health programs, physicians, dentists, and agencies serving students, and utilize community resources.
Promote disease prevention and control through parent and teacher meetings or trainings, guest speakers, and available community resources.
Observe school facilities and recommend modifications needed to maintain health and safety for students and personnel.
Provide emergency care in cases of injury or sudden illness and follow seizure protocols.
Teach CPR and First Aid courses for staff.
Serve as a health, safety, and nutrition resource for staff, parents, and students.
Attend IEP meetings and prepare health reports for those meetings.
Make home visits when necessary.
Conduct in-service programs for staff and students upon request.
Respond to frequently encountered health problems and write health care plans for students as needed.
Attend area workshops and conferences to support professional goals.
Report relevant student medical information and classroom staff issues to Program Coordinators.
Plan, direct, and supervise licensed and nonprofessional health personnel.
Maintain professional boundaries and protect student and staff confidentiality within the educational team.
Stay informed about current literature and resources and participate in staff meetings and professional development opportunities.
Assume other responsibilities deemed important by the Executive Director.