School Nurse/RN

Norwich Public Schools • Norwich, CT

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The School Nurse, a registered nurse, provides a wide range of health care services to promote and protect the health of students and staff. In cooperation with the medical advisor, health professionals, educators, and school personnel, the nurse contributes to planning, implementing, and evaluating school health services; advocates for students; and coordinates health-related resources among home, school, and community. The nurse implements applicable state laws, Board of Education policies, and administrative procedures in assigned schools. The nurse is accountable to the school health supervisor for clinical practice.

The role includes maintaining student health records and care plans, administering and evaluating treatments and medications, providing first aid and emergency care, conducting screenings, supporting students with complex or potentially life-threatening conditions, educating students and school personnel, coordinating referrals, and addressing health and safety needs in the school environment. The nurse also participates in professional development, committees, and evaluation of nursing practice.

Employment terms and work year are determined by the union contract. Eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that may include health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement benefits; paid leave, including sick, vacation, and personal leave as applicable; and other benefits under applicable agreements, policies, and employment terms.

Requirements

• Current Connecticut RN licensure.
• A minimum of three years of work experience in the past five years is preferred.
• Preferably, a background in pediatric nursing, school nursing, or public health nursing.
• Twelve academic credits or the equivalent in continuing education units or workshop hours beyond basic nursing preparation.
• Ten hours of continuing education in school health every two years.
• Current CPR certification.
• Have completed or be in the process of obtaining a baccalaureate degree, preferably in nursing or, alternatively, in health or a related field; or hold certification as a school nurse from a national certifying body when eligible.
• Meet minimum requirements mandated by Connecticut State Regulations 10-212-1 to 10-212-7.
• Ability to perform physical demands that include reaching, some lifting, standing, walking, carrying, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, sitting, and/or crawling.
• Ability to move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment.
• Ability to assist in lifting or carrying students weighing more than 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Background in pediatric nursing, school nursing, or public health nursing.
• Baccalaureate degree preferably in nursing, or alternatively in health or a related field.
• Certification as a school nurse by a national certifying body when eligible.

Responsibilities

• Apply appropriate nursing theory as a basis for clinical decision-making.
• Represent School Health Services and the Board of Education professionally, using courtesy and tact with students, parents, staff, and visitors.
• Implement and maintain a comprehensive school health program at the building level.
• Promote effective communication between families and the school concerning health and safety.
• Consult with the school health supervisor and building administrator to implement, review, and recommend revisions to school health policies and procedures.
• Train principals and teachers in the safe administration of medications according to state regulations.
• Arrange in-service programs for school personnel on first aid, emergency care procedures, current health issues, and related matters.
• Identify students at risk for health problems and communicate relevant health needs to school personnel.
• Maintain state-mandated cumulative health records for students, including health histories, assessments, immunization status, care plans, nursing and dental notes, medication records, and relevant health and welfare records.
• Implement and evaluate physician orders for medications and treatments needed during the school day, including specialized treatments for students with complex health care needs.
• Develop written care plans and interventions for medically fragile students and those with potentially life-threatening diagnoses or other conditions that may cause difficulties.
• Evaluate care plans and treatment effectiveness with students, parents, and other school disciplines.
• Document observations and nursing care, including interventions, student responses, and effectiveness.
• Provide first aid, emergency services, and health counseling to students and staff; be available for emergencies at other locations when a school nurse is absent.
• Serve as a health and safety resource within the school building.
• Participate in the CST/PPT process and in teaching students and families to meet individual learning needs.
• Arrange school physicals and screenings, including blood and urine screenings, growth and developmental measurements, blood pressure checks, tuberculosis testing, and immunization updates as needed.
• Present classes or slide presentations related to screening programs and health and safety.
• Make home visits as needed.
• Participate in kindergarten registration and assist with new-student enrollment by obtaining health information and answering parents’ questions about school health services.
• Initiate and follow up on referrals for illness, injury, screening failures, and services from social agencies.
• Inform school personnel about adaptations to the school program or environment needed to meet students’ individual needs.
• Advocate for students and families, protecting their rights, dignity, and confidentiality.
• Identify health and safety problems in the school environment and participate in corrective measures and follow-up.
• Help provide a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors in conjunction with school support staff.
• Maintain a daily service log and submit a monthly report to the school health supervisor.
• Participate in staff meetings, appropriate committees, continuing education, seminars, conferences, and professional organizations.
• Maintain CPR certification and participate in regular evaluation of nursing practice through peer review or other means.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package may include health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and personal leave as applicable; and other employment benefits in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements, Board of Education policies, and employment terms.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time