School Nurse

City of Fargo•Fargo, ND

About The Position

Under general supervision, the School Nurse performs professional nursing as part of a comprehensive public health program. Care may be provided in schools, homes, clinics, correctional health sites, and other community settings. The position assesses clients, develops care plans, provides treatment and education, makes referrals, and evaluates services. The nurse works independently within the North Dakota Nurse Practice Act and applicable scope of practice, is responsible for the quality and accuracy of their work, and may direct Home Health Aides, LPNs, ancillary personnel, and students. The role supports public health programs and may respond to public health emergencies. Emergency responsibilities include maintaining required preparedness training, fulfilling assigned Emergency Operations Plan duties, and being accessible 24/7 during an actual emergency with a family contingency plan in place. The nurse follows department and city policies and safety practices, maintains confidential records, determines program and grant eligibility, and may represent the local or state agency on committees. For the School Nurse assignment, the nurse maintains confidential student health records in accordance with HIPAA and FERPA, administers medications under physician or standing orders and in emergencies, serves as a resource to school staff and parents, participates in school committees, and conducts home visits when requested by school administration. The nurse may also plan and implement school health fairs. The position may be assigned to other public health specialty areas, including Maternal Child Health, Immunization/Disease Control, Adult Health, Clinic Nursing, Occupational Health, Quality Assurance/HIPAA, or Women’s Way. Duties for these assignments may include home visiting, clinic services, immunization and disease-control work, occupational health assessments and case management, quality improvement and compliance activities, or community outreach and navigation to health services. Work takes place in clinics, schools, correctional sites, and homes. It includes patient care and other moderately demanding physical work, computer and telephone use, regular driving for home visits and school coverage in all weather, and regular lifting, pushing, or pulling. The work may involve emotionally charged individuals and exposure to body fluids, contagious diseases, and environmental hazards. The position is at-will and the City Administrator may add or change duties.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in nursing and at least two years of professional nursing experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties.
Valid State of North Dakota registered nurse license.
Valid driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility.
Knowledge of professional nursing principles, practices, and techniques, including physical assessment and counseling.
Knowledge of community resources and the nursing process.
Skill in administering medically related treatments and procedures and performing general medical and nursing procedures.
Written English skills sufficient to read manuals, instructions, and care plans and to write reports and complete documentation.
Communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to exchange or convey information and receive work direction.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, including across cultures and socioeconomic levels.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to perform the physical duties of the position, including regular driving and lifting, pushing, or pulling.

Nice To Haves

Occupational Health program experience is preferred for the Occupational Health assignment.

Responsibilities

Assess clients’ needs and identify physical or psychosocial health issues.
Develop plans of care with clients and/or their families.
Administer immunizations, medications, treatments, and diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
Participate in multidisciplinary care, make referrals to appropriate providers and community services, and evaluate services.
Provide culturally sensitive health instruction and education in homes, communities, clinics, and schools.
Delegate or assign duties to Home Health Aides, ancillary personnel, and students within scope of practice; demonstrate procedures and monitor their performance.
Complete and maintain required records while protecting client confidentiality and complying with applicable regulations.
Determine eligibility for programs and grants and serve as a local or state representative on committees as assigned.
Respond to public health emergencies, fulfill assigned Emergency Operations Plan roles, and maintain required emergency preparedness training and availability.
Follow department and city rules, safety guidelines, protective-equipment requirements, and safe work practices.
For the School Nurse assignment, maintain student health records under HIPAA and FERPA guidelines; administer medications under orders and in emergencies; support school staff and parents; serve on school committees; conduct requested home visits; and potentially plan school health fairs.
Perform other duties and activities as assigned.