26 - School Nurse

Pueblo School District 60•Pueblo, CO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The School Nurse oversees the individual health needs of students and develops and implements health care plans with input from caregivers and physicians. The role ensures that district health care practices comply with state and federal laws concerning student health, provides health care guidance to teachers, staff, and administrators, and facilitates mandated screenings and referrals for follow-up care. The nurse supports students’ ability to benefit from school by improving and protecting their health. The position is in Exceptional Student Services, works a 165-day school year, and reports to the Supervisor of Nursing. It is exempt and compensated according to the Nurse Salary Schedule, with fringe benefits based on the PEA Negotiated Agreement. The nurse delivers and coordinates school health services, including assessment, care planning, screenings, health education, emergency response, disease prevention, and case management. The role collaborates with students, families, school staff, health providers, community organizations, and district teams to address health-related barriers to learning and promote a safe and supportive school community.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN).
At least two years of professional nursing experience.
Current license and certification required by the State of Colorado to practice as a Registered Nurse and Colorado Department of Education School Nurse; the school nurse certificate may be obtained upon employment or within 12 months of employment if a new graduate.
Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certification.
Professional knowledge of nursing theory and practice.
Strong analytical ability, attention to detail, and interpersonal skills to instruct students and families and collaborate with health team members.
Ability to work with all children, including children with disabilities, in a school setting.
Ability to coordinate and implement planned services under a supervisor’s direction; understand and follow oral and written instructions in English; and prioritize, plan, organize, and work effectively using independent judgment.
Ability to make independent decisions under established policies and procedures and maintain professional, effective working relationships with school staff, administrators, parents, students, and community members.
Initiative, accountability, and willingness to take ownership for project completion and organizational goals.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, coordinate daily activities with little supervision, adapt to varied situations, remain calm in emergencies, and work with frequent interruptions.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish.
Experience as a registered nurse in a school setting.
Experience working with mental health and behavioral health issues.
Extensive knowledge of physical assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and management of acute and chronic student and family problems.

Responsibilities

Ensure mandated health services are provided in the educational environment.
Identify students whose health needs require school-setting modifications or accommodations; obtain and interpret health data for child find, special education, and 504 plans.
Participate as the health expert on IEP and 504 teams to address health-related barriers to learning.
Develop and implement Individual Health Care Plans for students with health care needs.
Train, delegate, and supervise unlicensed assistive personnel in medication administration and nursing procedures.
Provide first aid and triage for physical and mental health issues.
Implement screening programs and assess the health of the school community, including monitoring health trends and accident or incident reports.
Assess referred health concerns, student health risk behaviors, and protective factors; use surveillance and screening data to inform programs and initiatives.
Communicate health and wellness information through health care plans and in-services; maintain records and documentation needed to coordinate services.
Advocate for the physical and emotional safety of the school community; provide education on child protection, promote a safe and drug-free environment, and initiate prevention programs.
Provide education promoting healthy behaviors and preventing child and adolescent morbidity and mortality; participate in health education programs and curriculum development.
Assess environmental safety, recommend measures to protect against hazards, and assist with policies for a safe school environment.
Promote and monitor immunizations, institute disease-control measures, and support public health policy and education concerning infectious and nuisance diseases.
Develop or participate in emergency response plans for students with special needs and for natural, man-made, or hazardous-material disasters; participate on crisis-response teams.
Align school health programs with national and state standards and evidence-based practice; coordinate with school programs and health or medical advisory councils.
Evaluate school health services, submit annual reports to state and local boards, and collect evidence-based data to improve services.
Coordinate with community health services and outreach programs; act as a liaison among students, schools, parents, health care providers, and organizations.
Provide case management and help families access resources.
Perform other tasks and assume other responsibilities assigned by the Supervisor of Nursing.